Staple cartridge retainer with frangible authentication key

ABSTRACT

A retainer for use with a staple cartridge that is configured for use with a stapling device is disclosed. The retainer comprises a retainer body that is configured to be removably coupled to the staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. The retainer further comprises an authentication key that is oriented in a first configuration to defeat a lockout in the surgical stapling device when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device. The authentication key is movable to a second configuration after the cartridge assembly is removed from the stapling device such that the authentication key is unable to return to the first configuration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/866,208, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH FEATURES FOR DEFEATING LOCKOUTS IN SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES, filed Jun. 25, 2019, of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/807,310, entitled METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER THAT HAS SEPARATE ROTARY CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS, filed Feb. 19, 2019, of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/807,319, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED LOCKOUT SYSTEMS, filed Feb. 19, 2019, and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/807,309, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS, filed Feb. 19, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staple cartridges for use therewith that are designed to staple and cut tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a powered surgical stapling system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of portions of a handle assembly of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is another partial exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective assembly view of a surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of a surgical stapling assembly;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first lockout spring of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial side elevational view of a portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 6 showing the first lockout spring in retaining engagement with a firing member thereof and prior to insertion of a surgical staple cartridge into a first jaw of the surgical stapling device;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 8 showing an initial insertion of a cartridge assembly that comprises a retainer that is attached to a staple cartridge wherein an authentication key on the retainer is engaging the first lockout spring of the surgical stapling device;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the authentication key of the retainer of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the authentication key of the retainer of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the authentication key of the retainer of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is another top view of a portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 8 illustrating an initial insertion of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 8 into the first jaw of the surgical stapling device;

FIG. 15 is another top view of the portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 14 after the retainer has been removed from the staple cartridge that is operably seated in the first jaw of the surgical stapling device;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of a portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 6 with a spent staple cartridge seated in the first jaw and the firing member in a starting position;

FIG. 17 is another side elevational view of the surgical stapling device and spent staple cartridge of FIG. 16 showing a second firing member lockout in a locked position, wherein the firing member is prevented from moving distally during a staple firing stroke;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of a portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 6 with an unfired staple cartridge seated in the first jaw and the firing member in a starting position;

FIG. 19 is another side elevational view of the surgical stapling device and unfired staple cartridge of FIG. 18 showing the second firing member lockout in an unlocked position, wherein a sled in the staple cartridge is in unlocking engagement with the firing member;

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective assembly view of a surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of another surgical stapling assembly;

FIG. 21 is a partial side elevational view of a portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 20 during an initial insertion of a cartridge assembly comprising a retainer attached to a staple cartridge into the surgical stapling device;

FIG. 22 is another partial side view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 21 after the cartridge assembly has been seated in a first jaw of the surgical stapling device and prior to removal of the retainer from the staple cartridge;

FIG. 23 is another partial side view of the surgical stapling assembly of FIG. 22 after the retainer has been removed from the staple cartridge;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a proximal end of another staple cartridge;

FIG. 25 is a partial side elevational view showing an initial insertion of the staple cartridge of FIG. 24 into a surgical stapling device with a first firing member lockout thereof in an engaged or locked position;

FIG. 26 is another partial side view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 25, with the staple cartridge of FIG. 24 operably seated therein and the first firing member lockout in a disengaged or unlocked position;

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective assembly view of a surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of another surgical stapling assembly;

FIG. 28 is a partial side elevational view of a portion of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 27 illustrating a first lockout arm of a first lockout in a jaw locking position;

FIG. 29 is a top view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 28 with the first lockout arm in the jaw locking position;

FIG. 30 is another top view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 29 with the first lockout arm in a jaw closure position;

FIG. 31 is a partial bottom perspective view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 29 with the first lockout arm in the jaw locking position;

FIG. 32 is a partial perspective view of a proximal end of a cartridge assembly comprising another retainer attached to a staple cartridge;

FIG. 33 is a bottom perspective view of a proximal end portion of the retainer of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a top view of the proximal end of the retainer of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a side view of the proximal end of the retainer of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is another top view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 29 during an initial insertion of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 32 therein;

FIG. 37 is another top view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 36 after the cartridge assembly has been seated therein;

FIG. 38 is another top view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 37 after the retainer has been removed from the staple cartridge seated therein;

FIG. 38A is a top view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 37 with another cartridge assembly seated therein;

FIG. 39 is a partial perspective view of another staple cartridge with an authentication key folded into a cartridge pan of the staple cartridge;

FIG. 40 is a top view of another surgical stapling device illustrating an initial insertion of the staple cartridge of FIG. 39 therein;

FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of the surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is another top view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 40 with the surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 39 operably seated therein;

FIG. 43 is a partial perspective view of another staple cartridge with an authentication key folded into a cartridge pan of the staple cartridge;

FIG. 44 is a partial perspective view showing the staple cartridge of FIG. 43 operably seated in another surgical stapling device;

FIG. 45 is a side elevational view of the surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of FIG. 44 with a first lockout arm of the stapling device retained in a jaw closure position;

FIG. 46 is another perspective view of the surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of FIG. 44, during an initial insertion of the staple cartridge into the surgical stapling device;

FIG. 47 is a partial perspective view of another staple cartridge with an authentication key folded into a cartridge pan of the staple cartridge;

FIG. 48 is an exploded perspective assembly view of a surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of another surgical stapling assembly;

FIG. 49 is a side elevational view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 48 with a first lockout arm of the surgical stapling device retained in a jaw locking position;

FIG. 50 is a top view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 49, with the first lockout arm in the jaw locking position;

FIG. 51 is a side elevational view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 49 with the first lockout arm in a jaw closure position and an anvil thereof in a closed position;

FIG. 52 is another top view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 49 illustrating an initial insertion of a cartridge assembly comprising a retainer attached to a staple cartridge into the surgical stapling device;

FIG. 53 is a partial perspective view of a proximal end of the retainer of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 52;

FIG. 54 is a top view of the proximal end of the retainer of FIG. 53;

FIG. 55 is a side view of the proximal end of the retainer of FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 is a top view of another surgical stapling device wherein a first lockout arm is supported in an opposite side of the surgical stapling device and during an initial insertion of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 52 therein;

FIG. 57 is an exploded perspective assembly view of a surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of another surgical stapling assembly;

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a first lockout spring of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 57;

FIG. 59 is a partial side elevational view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 57 with a first lockout spring thereof in locking engagement with a firing member of the surgical stapling device;

FIG. 60 is a top view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 59 with the first lockout spring in the engaged or locked position;

FIG. 61 is an exploded view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 60 showing an initial insertion of a cartridge assembly that comprises a retainer attached to a staple cartridge, wherein an authentication key on the retainer is engaging the first lockout spring of the surgical stapling device;

FIG. 62 is a top view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 60 illustrating an initial insertion of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 61 therein;

FIG. 63 is another top view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 62 after the retainer has been removed from the staple cartridge seated in the surgical stapling device;

FIG. 64 is an exploded view of a surgical system;

FIGS. 64A-64ZZ illustrate examples of various amounts of spaces that are available for authentication key arrangements of various staple cartridges as used in connection with different surgical stapling devices;

FIG. 65 is an exploded perspective assembly view of a surgical stapling device and staple cartridge of another surgical stapling assembly;

FIG. 66 is a partial perspective view of portions of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 65;

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a proximal end portion of a first jaw of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 65;

FIG. 68 is a top view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 65 with a first lockout arm thereof in a jaw locking position;

FIG. 69 is a side elevational view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 68 with the first lockout arm in the jaw locking position;

FIG. 70 is another side elevational view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 69 with the first lockout arm in a jaw closure position and an anvil thereof in a closed position;

FIG. 71 is an end elevational view of a portion of the surgical stapling device with the first lockout arm thereof in the jaw locking position;

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge that may be employed in connection with the surgical stapling device of FIG. 65;

FIG. 73 is a top view of a portion of the first lockout arm of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 65 illustrating an initial insertion of the staple cartridge of FIG. 72 therein;

FIG. 74 is another top view of the first lockout arm in engagement with an upper ramp feature of an authentication key of the staple cartridge;

FIG. 75 is another top view of the first lockout arm of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 65 during further insertion of the staple cartridge of FIG. 72 therein;

FIG. 76 is another top view of the first lockout arm of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 65 in the jaw closure position after the staple cartridge has been operably seated in the surgical stapling device;

FIG. 77 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the first lockout arm of FIG. 76 during closure of an anvil of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 65;

FIG. 78 is a partial top view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 77 with a portion of the anvil shown in cross-section;

FIG. 78A is a perspective view of another retainer embodiment attached to another staple cartridge embodiment;

FIG. 78B is a perspective view of another staple cartridge embodiment;

FIG. 78C is a top view of the staple cartridge embodiment of FIG. 78B;

FIG. 79 is a perspective view of another retainer embodiment;

FIG. 80 is a bottom perspective view of the retainer embodiment of FIG. 79;

FIG. 81 is another bottom perspective view of the retainer embodiment of FIG. 79 with the frangible retention tabs removed therefrom;

FIG. 82 is a perspective assembly view of another retainer embodiment and a staple cartridge;

FIG. 83 is an exploded cross-sectional assembly view of the retainer and staple cartridge of FIG. 82;

FIG. 84 is a cross-sectional end view of the retainer and staple cartridge of FIG. 82 coupled together to form a cartridge assembly that is seated in a frame of a surgical stapling device;

FIG. 85 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 84 being seated in the frame of FIG. 84;

FIG. 86 is a partial perspective view of a nose portion of a staple cartridge;

FIG. 87 is a partial perspective view of a nose portion of another staple cartridge;

FIG. 88 is a partial perspective view of a nose portion of another staple cartridge;

FIG. 89 is a partial perspective view of a nose portion of another staple cartridge;

FIG. 90 is a partial perspective view of a nose portion of another staple cartridge;

FIG. 91 is a partial perspective view of a nose portion of another staple cartridge;

FIG. 92 is a partial perspective view of a nose portion of another staple cartridge;

FIG. 93 is a side view of a portion of a surgical stapling device showing a compatible staple cartridge and compatible retainer seated in a frame of the surgical stapling device;

FIG. 94 is another side view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 93 with an incompatible staple cartridge and incompatible retainer seated in the frame of the device;

FIG. 95 is a perspective view of another retainer embodiment with a detachable authentication key;

FIG. 96 is another perspective view of the retainer of FIG. 95 with the detachable authentication key detached from a body portion of the retainer and tethered thereto;

FIG. 97 is a bottom view of another retainer embodiment;

FIG. 98 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the retainer of FIG. 97 prior to use;

FIG. 99 is another cross-sectional view of the portion of the retainer of FIG. 97 after the retainer has been used and removed from a staple cartridge;

FIG. 100 is a proximal perspective view of a retainer assembly embodiment;

FIG. 101 is an exploded assembly view of the retainer assembly of FIG. 100 and a staple cartridge;

FIG. 102 is another proximal perspective view of the retainer assembly of FIG. 100;

FIG. 103 is a bottom view of the retainer assembly of FIG. 100;

FIG. 104 is a perspective view of the retainer assembly of FIG. 100 mounted to a staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly;

FIG. 105 is a perspective view of another retainer assembly embodiment mounted to a staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly;

FIG. 106 is an exploded perspective assembly view of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 105;

FIG. 107 is a partial perspective view of a portion of a surgical stapling device supporting the cartridge assembly of FIG. 105 showing removal of a retainer cover from the cartridge assembly;

FIG. 108 is a side view of a cartridge assembly seated in a frame of a surgical stapling device, wherein the cartridge assembly comprises another retainer removably coupled to a staple cartridge;

FIG. 109 is a bottom view of a proximal end of another retainer embodiment;

FIG. 110A is a top view of a proximal end of another retainer embodiment with an authentication key thereof in a first position;

FIG. 110B in another top view of the retainer of FIG. 110A with the authentication key in a second position making the retainer un-reusable;

FIG. 111 is a bottom view of a proximal end of another retainer embodiment;

FIG. 112 is a bottom view of proximal end of another retainer embodiment;

FIG. 113 is a cross-sectional view of an authentication key of the retainer of FIG. 112 taken along line 113-113 in FIG. 112;

FIG. 114 is a diagrammatic view of another retainer embodiment composition;

FIG. 115 is another view of the retainer embodiment of FIG. 114;

FIG. 116 is a diagrammatic view of the retainer embodiment of FIG. 114 being clamped between jaws of a stapling device;

FIG. 117 is a top view of another retainer embodiment;

FIG. 118 is another top view of the retainer of FIG. 117 showing some portions in cross-section;

FIG. 119 is a partial perspective assembly view showing initial installation of the retainer of FIG. 117 onto a staple cartridge;

FIG. 120 is another partial perspective view showing the retainer of FIG. 117 installed on the staple cartridge of FIG. 119;

FIG. 121 is a proximal end view of the retainer and staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 120;

FIG. 122 is a side elevational view of another retainer embodiment installed on a staple cartridge with portion of the retainer shown in cross-section and an authentication key thereof in a retracted position;

FIG. 123 is another side elevational view of the retainer and staple cartridge of FIG. 122 with the authentication key of the retainer protruding proximally out of a key housing on the retainer;

FIG. 124 is an enlarged view of a portion of the retainer and staple cartridge of FIG. 123;

FIG. 125 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion of the retainer and staple cartridge of FIG. 124 with a plunger actuator in a depressed position to detach the retainer from the staple cartridge;

FIG. 126 is an enlarged view of the plunger actuator of FIG. 125;

FIG. 127 is a perspective view of a proximal end of another retainer embodiment;

FIG. 128 is a perspective view showing the retainer of FIG. 127 coupled to an unfired staple cartridge;

FIG. 129 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the retainer of FIG. 128 in relation to a sled of the unfired staple cartridge of FIG. 128;

FIG. 130 is a top view of another retainer embodiment with an authentication key thereof in an extended actuated position, with some of the features of the retainer omitted for clarity;

FIG. 131 is a side view of the retainer of FIG. 130 with the authentication key thereof in a retracted position;

FIG. 132 is an exploded assembly view of a retainer system;

FIG. 133 is a partial cross-sectional view of a retainer of the retainer system of FIG. 132;

FIG. 134 is a cross-sectional assembly view of a retainer tool of the retainer system of FIG. 132 supported on a staple cartridge;

FIG. 135 is another exploded assembly view of retainer system of FIG. 132 showing the retainer tool being used to initially install the retainer onto the staple cartridge;

FIG. 136 is another exploded assembly view showing the retainer initially installed on the staple cartridge of FIG. 135, with the retainer tool being withdrawn from between the retainer and the staple cartridge;

FIG. 137 is an exploded assembly view of another retainer system;

FIG. 138 is a bottom perspective assembly view showing a tool of the system of FIG. 137 inserted into a retainer of the system of FIG. 137 prior to installation on a staple cartridge;

FIG. 139 is a cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 138 inserted into the retainer of FIG. 138 with the retainer seated on the staple cartridge;

FIG. 140 is a side elevational view of a portion of another retainer embodiment;

FIG. 141 is a bottom view of a portion of the retainer embodiment of FIG. 140;

FIG. 142 is an exploded assembly view of another retainer embodiment and a surgical stapling device;

FIG. 143 is a perspective view showing the retainer of FIG. 142 attached to a staple cartridge seated in a frame of the stapling device of FIG. 143;

FIG. 144 is a side elevational view of the retainer and stapling device of FIG. 143 with a motion of a detachment member of the retainer shown in broken lines;

FIG. 145 is a partial side elevational view showing positions of an authentication key of the retainer of FIG. 144 mounted in the stapling device of FIG. 144;

FIG. 146 is a partial top view of the retainer and stapling device of FIG. 145 showing the initial insertion of the staple cartridge/retainer assembly into the stapling device;

FIG. 147 is another partial top view of the staple cartridge/retainer assembly of FIG. 146 seated in the stapling device of FIG. 146 and with an authentication key of the retainer defeating the lockout of the stapling device; and

FIG. 148 is a side view of another retainer embodiment being used to apply a prying motion to a nose of a spent staple cartridge mounted in a frame of a surgical stapling device.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on even date herewith and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. Patent Application entitled METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN AUTHENTICATION LOCKOUT IN A SURGICAL STAPLER WITH A REPLACEABLE CARTRIDGE, Attorney Docket No. END9170USNP1/190162-1M;

U.S. Patent Application entitled SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY WITH CARTRIDGE BASED RETAINER CONFIGURED TO UNLOCK A FIRING LOCKOUT; Attorney Docket No. END9170USNP2/190162-2;

U.S. Patent Application entitled SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY WITH CARTRIDGE BASED RETAINER CONFIGURED TO UNLOCK A CLOSURE LOCKOUT, Attorney Docket No. END9170USNP3/190162-3;

U.S. Patent Application entitled UNIVERSAL CARTRIDGE BASED KEY FEATURE THAT UNLOCKS MULTIPLE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS IN DIFFERENT SURGICAL STAPLERS, Attorney Docket No. END9170USNP4/190162-4;

U.S. Patent Application entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINERS WITH FRANGIBLE RETENTION FEATURES AND METHODS OF USING SAME, Attorney Docket No. END9170USNP5/190162-5;

U.S. Patent Application entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER WITH RETRACTABLE AUTHENTICATION KEY, Attorney Docket No. END9170USNP7/190162-7;

U.S. Patent Application entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER SYSTEM WITH AUTHENTICATION KEYS, Attorney Docket No. END9170USNP8/190162-8;

U.S. Patent Application entitled INSERTABLE DEACTIVATOR ELEMENT FOR SURGICAL STAPLER LOCKOUTS, Attorney Docket No. END9170USNP9/190162-9;

U.S. Patent Application entitled DUAL CAM CARTRIDGE BASED FEATURE FOR UNLOCKING A SURGICAL STAPLER LOCKOUT, Attorney Docket No. END9170USNP10/190162-10;

U.S. Patent Application entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH CAM SURFACES CONFIGURED TO ENGAGE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PORTIONS OF A LOCKOUT OF A SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE, Attorney Docket No. END9170USNP11/190162-11;

U.S. Patent Application entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH MOVABLE AUTHENTICATION KEY ARRANGEMENTS, Attorney Docket No. END9170USNP12/190162-12;

U.S. Patent Application entitled DEACTIVATOR ELEMENT FOR DEFEATING SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE LOCKOUTS, Attorney Docket No. END9170USNP13/190162-13; and

U.S. Patent Application entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH INTEGRAL AUTHENTICATION KEYS, Attorney Docket No. END9170USNP14/190162-14.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Design Patent Applications that were filed on Jun. 25, 2019 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. Design Patent Application Ser. No. 29/696,066, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER WITH FIRING SYSTEM AUTHENTICATION KEY;

U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/696,067, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE RETAINER WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AUTHENTICATION KEY; and

U.S. Design Patent Application Ser. No. 29/696,072, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Feb. 21, 2019 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,658, entitled METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER THAT HAS SEPARATE ROTARY CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,670, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A LOCKOUT KEY CONFIGURED TO LIFT A FIRING MEMBER;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,675, entitled SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH ARRANGEMENTS FOR MAINTAINING A FIRING MEMBER THEREOF IN A LOCKED CONFIGURATION UNLESS A COMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE HAS BEEN INSTALLED THEREIN;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,685, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING CO-OPERATING LOCKOUT FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,693, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT AND AN EXTERIOR ACCESS ORIFICE TO PERMIT ARTIFICIAL UNLOCKING OF THE LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,704, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH FEATURES FOR BLOCKING ADVANCEMENT OF A CAMMING ASSEMBLY OF AN INCOMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE INSTALLED THEREIN;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,707, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A DEACTIVATABLE LOCKOUT,

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,741, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,762, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH CARTRIDGE COMPATIBLE CLOSURE AND FIRING LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,660, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH FIRING MEMBER DRIVEN CAMMING ASSEMBLY THAT HAS AN ONBOARD TISSUE CUTTING FEATURE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,666, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,660, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES WITH ASYMMETRIC CLOSURE FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,678, entitled ROTARY DRIVEN FIRING MEMBERS WITH DIFFERENT ANVIL AND FRAME ENGAGEMENT FEATURES; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,682, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH SEPARATE ROTARY DRIVEN CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS AND FIRING MEMBER THAT ENGAGES BOTH JAWS WHILE FIRING.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician and the term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications including, for example, in connection with open surgical procedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the reader will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. The working portions or end effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through an access device that has a working frame through which the end effector and elongate shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is not removable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw. The second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured to permit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated, relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are envisioned which do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of a longitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples may be possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second, or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. The drivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient members configured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positions and their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of ramped surfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, and the staples supported thereon, toward the anvil.

Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled toward the distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further comprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and a second cam which engages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap, between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firing member also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the ramped surfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife.

FIG. 1 illustrates the surgical instrument 1010 that includes an interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 operably coupled to a housing 1012. FIG. 2 illustrates the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 detached from the housing 1012 or handle 1014. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the handle 1014 may comprise a pair of interconnectable handle housing segments 1016 and 1018 that may be interconnected by screws, snap features, adhesive, etc. In the illustrated arrangement, the handle housing segments 1016, 1018 cooperate to form a pistol grip portion 1019. FIGS. 1 and 3 depict a motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument 1010 that may or may not be reused. In the illustrated embodiment, the instrument 1010 includes a previous housing 1012 that comprises a handle 1014 that is configured to be grasped, manipulated and actuated by the clinician. The housing 1012 is configured for operable attachment to an interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 that has a surgical end effector 1300 operably coupled thereto that is configured to perform one or more surgical tasks or procedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, it will be understood that the various forms of interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein may also be effectively employed in connection with robotically-controlled surgical systems. Thus, the term “housing” may also encompass a housing or similar portion of a robotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports at least one drive system that is configured to generate and apply at least one control motion which could be used to actuate the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein and their respective equivalents. In addition, various components may be “housed” or contained in the housing or various components may be “associated with” a housing. In such instances, the components may not be contained within the housing or supported directly by the housing. The term “frame” may refer to a portion of a handheld surgical instrument. The term “frame” may also represent a portion of a robotically controlled surgical instrument and/or a portion of the robotic system that may be used to operably control a surgical instrument. For example, the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein may be employed with various robotic systems, instruments, components and methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, that is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The previous housing 1012 depicted in FIG. 1 is shown in connection with an interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 (FIGS. 2, 4 and 5) that includes an end effector 1300 that comprises a surgical cutting and fastening device that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 1350 therein. The housing 1012 may be configured for use in connection with interchangeable shaft assemblies that include end effectors that are adapted to support different sizes and types of staple cartridges, have different shaft lengths, sizes, and types, etc. In addition, the housing 1012 may also be effectively employed with a variety of other interchangeable shaft assemblies including those assemblies that are configured to apply other motions and forms of energy such as, for example, radio frequency (RF) energy, ultrasonic energy and/or motion to end effector arrangements adapted for use in connection with various surgical applications and procedures. Furthermore, the end effectors, shaft assemblies, handles, surgical instruments, and/or surgical instrument systems can utilize any suitable fastener, that can be gripped and manipulated by the clinician. As will be discussed in further detail below, the handle 1014 operably supports a plurality of drive systems therein that are configured to generate and apply various control motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly that is operably attached thereto.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the handle 1014 may further include a frame 1020 that operably supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame 1020 can operably support a “first” or closure drive system, generally designated as 1030, which may be employed to apply closing and opening motions to the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 that is operably attached or coupled thereto. In at least one form, the closure drive system 1030 may include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 1032 that is pivotally supported by the frame 1020. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the closure trigger 1032 is pivotally coupled to the handle 1014 by a pin 1033. Such arrangement enables the closure trigger 1032 to be manipulated by a clinician such that when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1014, the closure trigger 1032 may be easily pivoted from a starting or “unactuated” position to an “actuated” position and more particularly to a fully compressed or fully actuated position. The closure trigger 1032 may be biased into the unactuated position by spring or other biasing arrangement (not shown). In various forms, the closure drive system 1030 further includes a closure linkage assembly 1034 that is pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 1032. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the closure linkage assembly 1034 may include a first closure link 1036 and a second closure link 1038 that are pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 1032 by a pin 1035. The second closure link 1038 may also be referred to herein as an “attachment member” and include a transverse attachment pin 1037.

Still referring to FIG. 3, it can be observed that the first closure link 1036 may have a locking wall or end 1039 thereon that is configured to cooperate with a closure release assembly 1060 that is pivotally coupled to the frame 1020. In at least one form, the closure release assembly 1060 may comprise a release button assembly 1062 that has a distally protruding locking pawl 1064 formed thereon. The release button assembly 1062 may be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction by a release spring (not shown). As the clinician depresses the closure trigger 1032 from its unactuated position towards the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1014, the first closure link 1036 pivots upward to a point wherein the locking pawl 1064 drops into retaining engagement with the locking wall 1039 on the first closure link 1036 thereby preventing the closure trigger 1032 from returning to the unactuated position. Thus, the closure release assembly 1060 serves to lock the closure trigger 1032 in the fully actuated position. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 1032 to permit it to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician simply pivots the release button assembly 1062 such that the locking pawl 1064 is moved out of engagement with the locking wall 1039 on the first closure link 1036. When the locking pawl 1064 has been moved out of engagement with the first closure link 1036, the closure trigger 1032 may pivot back to the unactuated position. Other closure trigger locking and release arrangements may also be employed.

An arm 1061 may extend from the release button assembly 1062. A magnetic element 1063, such as a permanent magnet, for example, may be mounted to the arm 1061. When the release button assembly 1062 is rotated from its first position to its second position, the magnetic element 1063 can move toward a circuit board 1100. The circuit board 1100 can include at least one sensor that is configured to detect the movement of the magnetic element 1063. In at least one embodiment, for example, a “Hall Effect” sensor (not shown) can be mounted to the bottom surface of the circuit board 1100. The Hall Effect sensor can be configured to detect changes in a magnetic field surrounding the Hall Effect sensor caused by the movement of the magnetic element 1063. The Hall Effect sensor can be in signal communication with a microcontroller, for example, which can determine whether the release button assembly 1062 is in its first position, which is associated with the unactuated position of the closure trigger 1032 and the open configuration of the end effector, its second position, which is associated with the actuated position of the closure trigger 1032 and the closed configuration of the end effector, and/or any position between the first position and the second position.

In at least one form, the handle 1014 and the frame 1020 may operably support another drive system referred to herein as a firing drive system 1080 that is configured to apply firing motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly attached thereto. The firing drive system 1080 may also be referred to herein as a “second drive system”. The firing drive system 1080 may employ an electric motor 1082 that is located in the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1014. In various forms, the motor 1082 may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of, approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 1082 may be powered by a power source 1090 that in one form may comprise a removable power pack 1092. As can be seen in FIG. 3, for example, the power pack 1092 may comprise a proximal housing portion 1094 that is configured for attachment to a distal housing portion 1096. The proximal housing portion 1094 and the distal housing portion 1096 are configured to operably support a plurality of batteries 1098 therein. Batteries 1098 may each comprise, for example, a Lithium Ion (“LI”) or other suitable battery. The distal housing portion 1096 is configured for removable operable attachment to the circuit board 1100 which is also operably coupled to the motor 1082. A number of batteries 1098 may be connected in series may be used as the power source for the surgical instrument 1010. In addition, the power source 1090 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

As outlined above with respect to other various forms, the electric motor 1082 can include a rotatable shaft (not shown) that operably interfaces with a gear reducer assembly 1084 that is mounted in meshing engagement with a with a set, or rack, of drive teeth 1122 on a longitudinally-movable drive member 1120. In use, a voltage polarity provided by the power source 1090 can operate the electric motor 1082 in a clockwise direction wherein the voltage polarity applied to the electric motor by the battery can be reversed in order to operate the electric motor 1082 in a counter-clockwise direction. When the electric motor 1082 is rotated in one direction, the drive member 1120 will be axially driven in the distal direction “DD”. When the motor 82 is driven in the opposite rotary direction, the drive member 1120 will be axially driven in a proximal direction “PD”. The handle 1014 can include a switch which can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 1082 by the power source 1090. As with the other forms described herein, the handle 1014 can also include a sensor that is configured to detect the position of the drive member 1120 and/or the direction in which the drive member 1120 is being moved.

Actuation of the motor 1082 can be controlled by a firing trigger 1130 that is pivotally supported on the handle 1014. The firing trigger 1130 may be pivoted between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 1130 may be biased into the unactuated position by a spring 1132 or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 1130, it may be pivoted or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring 1132 or biasing arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger 1130 can be positioned “outboard” of the closure trigger 1032 as was discussed above. In at least one form, a firing trigger safety button 1134 may be pivotally mounted to the closure trigger 1032 by the pin 1035. The safety button 1134 may be positioned between the firing trigger 1130 and the closure trigger 1032 and have a pivot arm 1136 protruding therefrom. See FIG. 3. When the closure trigger 1032 is in the unactuated position, the safety button 1134 is contained in the handle 1014 where the clinician cannot readily access it and move it between a safety position preventing actuation of the firing trigger 1130 and a firing position wherein the firing trigger 1130 may be fired. As the clinician depresses the closure trigger 1032, the safety button 1134 and the firing trigger 1130 pivot down wherein they can then be manipulated by the clinician.

As indicated above, in at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 1120 has a rack of teeth 1122 formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear 1086 of the gear reducer assembly 1084. At least one form also includes a manually-actuatable “bailout” assembly 1140 that is configured to enable the clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 1120 should the motor 1082 become disabled. The bailout assembly 1140 may include a lever or bailout handle assembly 1142 that is configured to be manually pivoted into ratcheting engagement with the rack of teeth 1122 also provided in the drive member 1120. Thus, the clinician can manually retract the drive member 1120 by using the bailout handle assembly 1142 to ratchet the drive member 1120 in the proximal direction “PD”. U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, discloses bailout arrangements and other components, arrangements and systems that may also be employed with the various instruments disclosed herein. U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 5, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 includes a surgical end effector 1300 that comprises an elongate frame 1310 that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 1350 therein. The end effector 1300 may further include an anvil 2000 that is pivotally supported relative to the elongate frame 1310. The interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 may further include an articulation joint 3020 and an articulation lock 2140 which can be configured to releasably hold the end effector 1300 in a desired position relative to a shaft axis SA. Examples of various features of at least one form of the end effector 1300, the articulation joint 3020 and articulation locks may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, filed Mar. 14, 2013, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, filed Mar. 14, 2013, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, is hereby incorporated by reference herein. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 can further include a proximal housing or nozzle 1201 comprised of nozzle portions 1202 and 1203.

The interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 can further include a closure system or closure member assembly 3000 which can be utilized to close and/or open the anvil 2000 of the end effector 1300. The shaft assembly 1200 can include a spine 1210 that is configured to, one, slidably support a firing member therein and, two, slidably support the closure member assembly 3000 which extends around the spine 1210. As can be seen in FIG. 5, a distal end 1212 of spine 1210 terminates in an upper lug mount feature 1270 and in a lower lug mount feature 1280. The upper lug mount feature 1270 is formed with a lug slot 1272 therein that is adapted to mountingly support an upper mounting link 1274 therein. Similarly, the lower lug mount feature 1280 is formed with a lug slot 1282 therein that is adapted to mountingly support a lower mounting link 1284 therein. The upper mounting link 1274 includes a pivot socket 1276 therein that is adapted to rotatably receive therein a pivot pin 1292 that is formed on a frame cap or anvil retainer 1290 that is attached to a proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate frame 1310. The lower mounting link 1284 includes lower pivot pin 1286 that adapted to be received within a pivot hole 1314 formed in the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate frame 1310. See FIG. 5. The lower pivot pin 1286 is vertically aligned with the pivot socket 1276 to define an articulation axis AA about which the surgical end effector 1300 may articulate relative to the shaft axis SA. See FIG. 2.

In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector 1300 is selectively articulatable about the articulation axis AA by an articulation system 2100. In one form, the articulation system 2100 includes proximal articulation driver 2102 that is pivotally coupled to an articulation link 2120. As can be most particularly seen in FIG. 5, an offset attachment lug 2114 is formed on a distal end 2110 of the proximal articulation driver 2102. A pivot hole 2116 is formed in the offset attachment lug 2114 and is configured to pivotally receive therein a proximal link pin 2124 formed on the proximal end 2122 of the articulation link 2120. A distal end 2126 of the articulation link 2120 includes a pivot hole 2128 that is configured to pivotally receive therein a frame pin 1317 formed on the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate frame 1310. Thus, axial movement of proximal articulation driver 2102 will thereby apply articulation motions to the elongate frame 1310 to thereby cause the surgical end effector 1300 to articulate about the articulation axis AA relative to the spine 1210. Further details concerning the construction and operation of the articulation system 2100 may be found in various references incorporated by reference herein including U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,631, filed Jun. 28, 2017, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0000464, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. In various circumstances, the proximal articulation driver 2102 can be held in position by an articulation lock 2140 when the proximal articulation driver 2102 is not being moved in the proximal or distal directions. Additional details regarding an example of an articulation lock 2140 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,631, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0000464, as well as in other references incorporated by reference herein.

In various circumstances, the spine 1210 can comprise a proximal end 1211 which is rotatably supported in a chassis 1240. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1211 of the spine 1210 has a thread 1214 formed thereon for threaded attachment to a spine bearing 1216 configured to be supported within the chassis 1240. See FIG. 4. Such an arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of the spine 1210 to the chassis 1240 such that the spine 1210 may be selectively rotated about a shaft axis SA relative to the chassis 1240.

Referring primarily to FIG. 4, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 includes a closure shuttle 1250 that is slidably supported within the chassis 1240 such that it may be axially moved relative thereto. The closure shuttle 1250 includes a pair of proximally-protruding hooks 1252 that are configured for attachment to the attachment pin 1037 (FIG. 3) that is attached to the second closure link 1038 as will be discussed in further detail below. In at least one example, the closure member assembly 3000 comprises a proximal closure member segment 3010 that has a proximal end 3012 that is coupled to the closure shuttle 1250 for relative rotation thereto. For example, a U shaped connector 1263 is inserted into an annular slot 3014 in the proximal end 3012 of the proximal closure member segment 3010 and is retained within vertical slots 1253 in the closure shuttle 1250. Such an arrangement serves to attach the proximal closure member segment 3010 to the closure shuttle 1250 for axial travel therewith while enabling the proximal closure member segment 3010 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle 1250 about the shaft axis SA. A closure spring 1268 is journaled on the proximal closure member segment 3010 and serves to bias the proximal closure member segment 3010 in the proximal direction “PD” which can serve to pivot the closure trigger 1032 into the unactuated position when the shaft assembly is operably coupled to the handle 1014.

In at least one form, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 may further include an articulation joint 3020. Other interchangeable shaft assemblies, however, may not be capable of articulation. As can be seen in FIG. 5, for example, a distal closure member or distal closure tube segment 3030 is coupled to the distal end of the proximal closure member segment 3010. The articulation joint 3020 includes a double pivot closure sleeve assembly 3022. According to various forms, the double pivot closure sleeve assembly 3022 includes an end effector closure tube 3050 having upper and lower proximally projecting tangs 3052, 3054. An upper double pivot link 3056 includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage respectively an upper distal pin hole in the upper proximally projecting tang 3052 and an upper proximal pin hole 3032 in an upper distally projecting tang 3031 on the distal closure tube segment 3030. A lower double pivot link 3058 includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage respectively a lower distal pin hole in the lower proximally projecting tang 3054 and a lower proximal pin hole in the lower distally projecting tang 3034. See FIGS. 4 and 5. As will be discussed in further detail below, the closure member assembly 3000 is translated distally (direction “DD”) to close the anvil 2000, for example, in response to the actuation of the closure trigger 1032. The anvil 2000 is opened by proximally translating the closure member assembly 3000 which causes the end effector closure tube 3050 to interact with the anvil 2000 and pivot it to an open position.

As was also indicated above, the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 further includes a firing member 1900 that is supported for axial travel within the spine 1210. The firing member 1900 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 that is configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 1910. The intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 may include a longitudinal slot 1223 in the distal end thereof which can be configured to receive a tab 1912 on the proximal end of the distal knife bar 1910. The longitudinal slot 1223 and the proximal end tab 1912 can be sized and configured to permit relative movement therebetween and can comprise a slip joint 1914. The slip joint 1914 can permit the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 of the firing member 1900 to be moved to articulate the end effector 1300 without moving, or at least substantially moving, the knife bar 1910. Once the end effector 1300 has been suitably oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 can be advanced distally until a proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot 1223 comes into contact with the tab 1912 in order to advance the knife bar 1910 and fire the staple cartridge 1350 positioned within the frame 1310. The knife bar 1910 includes a knife portion 1920 that includes a blade or tissue cutting edge 1922 and includes an upper anvil engagement tab 1924 and lower frame engagement tabs 1926. Various firing member configurations and operations are disclosed in various other references incorporated herein by reference.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the shaft assembly 1200 further includes a switch drum 1500 that is rotatably received on proximal closure member segment 3010. The switch drum 1500 comprises a hollow shaft segment 1502 that has a shaft boss formed thereon for receive an outwardly protruding actuation pin therein. In various circumstances, the actuation pin extends through a longitudinal slot provided in the lock sleeve to facilitate axial movement of the lock sleeve when it is engaged with the articulation driver. A rotary torsion spring 1420 is configured to engage the boss on the switch drum 1500 and a portion of the nozzle 1201 to apply a biasing force to the switch drum 1500. The switch drum 1500 can further comprise at least partially circumferential openings 1506 defined therein which can be configured to receive circumferential mounts extending from the nozzle portions 1202, 1203 and permit relative rotation, but not translation, between the switch drum 1500 and the nozzle 1201. The mounts also extend through openings 3011 in the proximal closure member segment 3010 to be seated in recesses 1219 in the spine 1210. Rotation of the switch drum 1500 about the shaft axis SA will ultimately result in the rotation of the actuation pin and the lock sleeve between its engaged and disengaged positions. In one arrangement, the rotation of the switch drum 1500 may be linked to the axial advancement of the closure tube or closure member. Thus, in essence, actuation of the closure system may operably engage and disengage the articulation drive system with the firing drive system in the various manners described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK and U.S. Pat. No. 9,913,642, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM, the entire disclosures of each being hereby incorporated by reference herein. For example, when the closure member segment 3010 is in its proximal-most position corresponding to a “jaws open” position, the closure member segment 3010 will have positioned the switch drum 1500 so as to link the articulation system with the firing drive system. When, the closure tube has been moved to its distal position corresponding to a “jaws closed” position, the closure tube has rotated the switch drum 1500 to a position wherein the articulation system is delinked from the firing drive system.

As also illustrated in FIG. 4, the shaft assembly 1200 can comprise a slip ring assembly 1600 which can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the end effector 1300 and/or communicate signals to and/or from the end effector 1300, for example. The slip ring assembly 1600 can comprise a proximal connector flange 1604 that is mounted to a chassis flange 1242 that extends from the chassis 1240 and a distal connector flange that is positioned within a slot defined in the shaft housings. The proximal connector flange 1604 can comprise a first face and the distal connector flange can comprise a second face which is positioned adjacent to and movable relative to the first face. The distal connector flange can rotate relative to the proximal connector flange 1604 about the shaft axis SA. The proximal connector flange 1604 can comprise a plurality of concentric, or at least substantially concentric, conductors defined in the first face thereof. A connector can be mounted on the proximal side of the connector flange and may have a plurality of contacts wherein each contact corresponds to and is in electrical contact with one of the conductors. Such an arrangement permits relative rotation between the proximal connector flange 1604 and the distal connector flange while maintaining electrical contact therebetween. The proximal connector flange 1604 can include an electrical connector 1606 which can place the conductors in signal communication with a shaft circuit board 1610 mounted to the shaft chassis 1240, for example. In at least one instance, a wiring harness comprising a plurality of conductors can extend between the electrical connector 1606 and the shaft circuit board 1610. The electrical connector 1606 may extend proximally through a connector opening 1243 defined in the chassis flange 1242. See FIG. 4. Further details regarding slip ring assembly 1600 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, for example. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481 are each hereby incorporated by reference herein in their respective entireties.

As discussed above, the shaft assembly 1200 can include a proximal portion which is fixably mounted to the handle 1014 and a distal portion which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The rotatable distal shaft portion can be rotated relative to the proximal portion about the slip ring assembly 1600, as discussed above. The distal connector flange of the slip ring assembly 1600 can be positioned within the rotatable distal shaft portion. Moreover, further to the above, the switch drum 1500 can also be positioned within the rotatable distal shaft portion. When the rotatable distal shaft portion is rotated, the distal connector flange and the switch drum 1500 can be rotated synchronously with one another. In addition, the switch drum 1500 can be rotated between a first position and a second position relative to the distal connector flange. When the switch drum 1500 is in its first position, the articulation drive system may be operably disengaged from the firing drive system and, thus, the operation of the firing drive system may not articulate the end effector 1300 of the shaft assembly 1200. When the switch drum 1500 is in its second position, the articulation drive system may be operably engaged with the firing drive system and, thus, the operation of the firing drive system may articulate the end effector 1300 of the shaft assembly 1200. When the switch drum 1500 is moved between its first position and its second position, the switch drum 1500 is moved relative to distal connector flange. In various instances, the shaft assembly 1200 can comprise at least one sensor configured to detect the position of the switch drum 1500.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the chassis 1240 includes at least one, and preferably two, tapered attachment portions 1244 formed thereon that are adapted to be received within corresponding dovetail slots 1702 formed within a distal attachment flange portion 1700 of the frame 1020. See FIG. 3. Each dovetail slot 1702 may be tapered or, stated another way, be somewhat V-shaped to seatingly receive the attachment portions 1244 therein. As can be further seen in FIG. 4, a shaft attachment lug 1226 is formed on the proximal end of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222. As will be discussed in further detail below, when the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 is coupled to the handle 1014, the shaft attachment lug 1226 is received in a firing shaft attachment cradle 1126 formed in a distal end 1125 of the longitudinal drive member 1120. See FIG. 3.

Various shaft assembly embodiments employ a latch system 1710 for removably coupling the shaft assembly 1200 to the housing 1012 and more specifically to the frame 1020. As can be seen in FIG. 4, for example, in at least one form, the latch system 1710 includes a lock member or lock yoke 1712 that is movably coupled to the chassis 1240. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the lock yoke 1712 has a U-shape with two spaced downwardly extending legs 1714. The legs 1714 each have a pivot lug 1715 formed thereon that are adapted to be received in corresponding holes 1245 formed in the chassis 1240. Such arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of the lock yoke 1712 to the chassis 1240. The lock yoke 1712 may include two proximally protruding lock lugs 1716 that are configured for releasable engagement with corresponding lock detents or grooves 1704 in the distal attachment flange portion 1700 of the frame 1020. See FIG. 3. In various forms, the lock yoke 1712 is biased in the proximal direction by spring or biasing member (not shown). Actuation of the lock yoke 1712 may be accomplished by a latch button 1722 that is slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1720 that is mounted to the chassis 1240. The latch button 1722 may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the lock yoke 1712. As will be discussed in further detail below, the lock yoke 1712 may be moved to an unlocked position by biasing the latch button in the distal direction which also causes the lock yoke 1712 to pivot out of retaining engagement with the distal attachment flange portion 1700 of the frame 1020. When the lock yoke 1712 is in “retaining engagement” with the distal attachment flange portion 1700 of the frame 1020, the lock lugs 1716 are retainingly seated within the corresponding lock detents or grooves 1704 in the distal attachment flange portion 1700.

When employing an interchangeable shaft assembly that includes an end effector of the type described herein that is adapted to cut and fasten tissue, as well as other types of end effectors, it may be desirable to prevent inadvertent detachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly from the housing during actuation of the end effector. For example, in use the clinician may actuate the closure trigger 1032 to grasp and manipulate the target tissue into a desired position. Once the target tissue is positioned within the end effector 1300 in a desired orientation, the clinician may then fully actuate the closure trigger 1032 to close the anvil 2000 and clamp the target tissue in position for cutting and stapling. In that instance, the first drive system 1030 has been fully actuated. After the target tissue has been clamped in the end effector 1300, it may be desirable to prevent the inadvertent detachment of the shaft assembly 1200 from the housing 1012. One form of the latch system 1710 is configured to prevent such inadvertent detachment.

As can be most particularly seen in FIG. 4, the lock yoke 1712 includes at least one and preferably two lock hooks 1718 that are adapted to contact corresponding lock lug portions 1256 that are formed on the closure shuttle 1250. When the closure shuttle 1250 is in an unactuated position (i.e., the first drive system 1030 is unactuated and the anvil 2000 is open), the lock yoke 1712 may be pivoted in a distal direction to unlock the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 from the housing 1012. When in that position, the lock hooks 1718 do not contact the lock lug portions 1256 on the closure shuttle 1250. However, when the closure shuttle 1250 is moved to an actuated position (i.e., the first drive system 1030 is actuated and the anvil 2000 is in the closed position), the lock yoke 1712 is prevented from being pivoted to an unlocked position. Stated another way, if the clinician were to attempt to pivot the lock yoke 1712 to an unlocked position or, for example, the lock yoke 1712 was inadvertently bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise cause it to pivot distally, the lock hooks 1718 on the lock yoke 1712 will contact the lock lug portions 1256 on the closure shuttle 1250 and prevent movement of the lock yoke 1712 to an unlocked position.

Attachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 to the handle 1014 will now be described. To commence the coupling process, the clinician may position the chassis 1240 of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 above or adjacent to the distal attachment flange portion 1700 of the frame 1020 such that the tapered attachment portions 1244 formed on the chassis 1240 are aligned with the dovetail slots 1702 in the frame 1020. The clinician may then move the shaft assembly 1200 along an installation axis that is perpendicular to the shaft axis SA to seat the attachment portions 1244 in “operable engagement” with the corresponding dovetail receiving slots 1702. In doing so, the shaft attachment lug 1226 on the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 will also be seated in the cradle 1126 in the longitudinally movable drive member 1120 and the portions of the pin 1037 on the second closure link 1038 will be seated in the corresponding hooks 1252 in the closure shuttle 1250. As used herein, the term “operable engagement” in the context of two components means that the two components are sufficiently engaged with each other so that upon application of an actuation motion thereto, the components may carry out their intended action, function and/or procedure.

At least five systems of the interchangeable shaft assembly 1200 can be operably coupled with at least five corresponding systems of the handle 1014. A first system can comprise a frame system which couples and/or aligns the frame or spine of the shaft assembly 1200 with the frame 1020 of the handle 1014. Another system can comprise a closure drive system 1030 which can operably connect the closure trigger 1032 of the handle 1014 and the closure tube 3050 and the anvil 2000 of the shaft assembly 1200. As outlined above, the closure shuttle 1250 of the shaft assembly 1200 can be engaged with the pin 1037 on the second closure link 1038. Another system can comprise the firing drive system 1080 which can operably connect the firing trigger 1130 of the handle 1014 with the intermediate firing shaft portion 1222 of the shaft assembly 1200. As outlined above, the shaft attachment lug 1226 can be operably connected with the cradle 1126 of the longitudinal drive member 1120. Another system can comprise an electrical system which can signal to a controller in the handle 1014, such as microcontroller, for example, that a shaft assembly, such as shaft assembly 1200, for example, has been operably engaged with the handle 1014 and/or, two, conduct power and/or communication signals between the shaft assembly 1200 and the handle 1014. For instance, the shaft assembly 1200 can include an electrical connector 1810 that is operably mounted to the shaft circuit board 1610. The electrical connector 1810 is configured for mating engagement with a corresponding electrical connector 1800 on the control circuit board 1100. Further details regaining the circuitry and control systems may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,142, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,913,642, the entire disclosures of each which were previously incorporated by reference herein. The fifth system may consist of the latching system for releasably locking the shaft assembly 1200 to the handle 1014.

The anvil 2000 in the illustrated example includes an anvil body 2002 that terminates in an anvil mounting portion 2010. The anvil mounting portion 2010 is movably or pivotably supported on the elongate frame 1310 for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed anvil pivot axis PA that is transverse to the shaft axis SA. In the illustrated arrangement, a pivot member or anvil trunnion 2012 extends laterally out of each lateral side of the anvil mounting portion 2010 to be received in a corresponding trunnion cradle 1316 formed in the upstanding walls 1315 of the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate frame 1310. The anvil trunnions 2012 are pivotally retained in their corresponding trunnion cradle 1316 by the frame cap or anvil retainer 1290. The frame cap or anvil retainer 1290 includes a pair of attachment lugs that are configured to be retainingly received within corresponding lug grooves or notches formed in the upstanding walls 1315 of the proximal end portion 1312 of the elongate frame 1310. See FIG. 5.

Still referring to FIG. 5, in at least one arrangement, the distal closure member or end effector closure tube 3050 employs two axially offset, proximal and distal positive jaw opening features 3060 and 3062. The positive jaw opening features 3060, 3062 are configured to interact with corresponding relieved areas and stepped portions formed on the anvil mounting portion 2010 as described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,631, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0000464, the entire disclosure which has been herein incorporated by reference. Other jaw opening arrangements may be employed.

The disclosures of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232200, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, filed on May 20, 2003, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232199, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A FIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232197, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM, filed on May 20, 2003, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232196, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, filed on May 20, 2003, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0232195, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, filed on May 20, 3003, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0085123, entitled ARTICULATING SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING A TWO-PIECE E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM, filed on Aug. 17, 2017 are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Referring to FIG. 6, an example of a surgical stapling assembly 4000 is shown. The surgical stapling assembly 4000 may be employed in connection with the surgical instrument 1010 described above or in connection with a variety of other surgical instruments described in various disclosures that have been incorporated by reference herein. The surgical stapling assembly 4000 may be employed in connection with electrically controlled, battery powered, manually powered, and/or robotically-controlled surgical instruments in the various forms disclosed in the aforementioned incorporated disclosures, for example. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the surgical stapling assembly 4000 comprises a surgical stapling device generally designated as 4002 that comprises a first jaw, or frame 4010 that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 4200 therein. The first jaw 4010 may be attached to a spine of the shaft assembly of a surgical instrument or robot in the various manners described herein as well as in the various disclosures which have been herein incorporated by reference. In the illustrated example, the first jaw 4010 is attached to the spine portion of the shaft assembly (not shown in FIG. 6), by a shaft mount flange 4030 that is pinned by a pin 4032 or otherwise attached to a proximal end 4014 of the first jaw 4010. In particular, pin 4032 is configured to pass through aligned holes 4021 in upstanding sidewalls 4020 of the first jaw 4010 as well as through hole 4031 in the shaft mount flange 4030. The shaft mount flange 4030 is configured to interface with an articulation joint arrangement (not shown) that is configured to facilitate articulation of the first jaw 4010 relative to the shaft assembly in various known configurations. Other methods of attaching and operably interfacing the surgical device 4002 with a shaft of a surgical instrument may also be employed. For example, the stapling device 4002 may be attached to the shaft assembly such that the stapling device (sometimes also referred to as an “end effector”) is not capable of articulating relative to the shaft assembly.

Still referring to FIG. 6, the surgical stapling device 4002 further comprises a firing member assembly 4040 that comprises a knife bar 4042 that is attached to a knife member or “firing member” 4050. The knife bar 4042 also interfaces with corresponding components and firing systems in the surgical instrument to receive firing motions which can distally advance the knife bar 4042 and firing member 4050 through a staple firing stroke from a starting position to an ending position and also retract the knife bar 4042 and firing member 4050 proximally to a starting position. In the illustrated arrangement, the firing member 4050 comprises a firing member body 4052 that supports a cutting edge or knife edge 4053. The firing member 4050 further comprises a foot 4054 that is formed on the bottom of the firing member body 4052 and extends laterally from each side of the firing member body 4052. The firing member 4050 further comprises a pair of top pins or tabs 4056 that extend laterally from the firing member body 4052 that are adapted to engage ledges on an anvil as will be discussed further herein. Additionally, the firing member 4050 comprises a pair of central pins or tabs 4058 that protrude laterally from each side of the firing member body 4052. In some of the disclosures incorporated by reference herein, the firing member 4050 may also be referred to as an “E-Beam” firing member or cutting member.

Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 4002 comprises a second jaw or anvil 4100 that is movable relative to the first jaw or frame 4010. The anvil 4100 comprises an anvil body 4102 and an anvil mounting portion 4110. The anvil body 4102 comprises a staple forming undersurface or tissue contacting surface 4104 that has a series of staple forming pockets formed therein (not shown) that are arranged to form corresponding staples as they are driven into forming contact therewith. The anvil mounting portion 4110 comprises a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnion pins 4112 that are configured to be received in corresponding trunnion slots 4022 in the upstanding sidewalls 4020 of the first jaw 4010. In the illustrated arrangement, the trunnion slots 4022 are somewhat “kidney-shaped” and facilitate pivotal as well as axial travel of the corresponding trunnion pins 4112 therein. Such pivotal and axial movement of the anvil 4100 may be referred to as “translation” of the anvil during an anvil closure sequence.

As discussed above, as well as in several of the disclosures which have been incorporated by reference herein, the anvil 4100 may be movable from an open position wherein a used or spent surgical staple cartridge may either be removed from the first jaw or frame 4010 or an unfired surgical staple cartridge may be operably seated therein to a closed position. The anvil 4100 may be movable between the open and closed positions by an axially movable closure member which may comprise an end effector closure tube (not shown) that is part of the shaft assembly of the surgical instrument to which the surgical device 4002 is operably attached. For example, as the closure member is moved distally from a proximal position by actuating a closure control system in the surgical instrument, the closure member may operably engage a cam surface on the anvil mounting portion 4110. Such interaction between the closure member and the anvil mounting portion 4110 causes the anvil mounting portion 4110 and the anvil trunnion pins 4112 to pivot and translate up the trunnion slots 4022 until the closure member moves the anvil 4100 to a fully closed position. When in the fully closed position, the staple-forming pockets in the anvil 4100 are properly aligned with the staples in a corresponding compatible surgical staple cartridge that has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 4010. When the axially movable closure member is thereafter moved in a proximal direction, the closure member interfaces with an upstanding tab 4114 on the anvil mounting portion 4110 to return the anvil 4100 to the open position.

One form of surgical staple cartridge 4200 that may be compatible with the surgical stapling device 4002 comprises a cartridge body 4202 that defines a cartridge deck surface or tissue contacting surface 4204. The cartridge body 4202 further comprises a longitudinal slot 4206 that bisects the cartridge deck surface 4204 and is configured to accommodate axial passage of the firing member 4050 therein between its starting position and an ending position within the cartridge body 4202 during a staple firing stroke. The longitudinal slot 4206 lies along a center axis CA of the cartridge 4200. The surgical staple cartridge 4200 further comprises a series of staple pockets 4208 that are formed in the cartridge body 4202. The staple pockets 4208 may be formed in offset “lines” located on each side of the longitudinal slot 4206. Each staple pocket 4208 may have a staple driver (not shown) associated therewith that supports a surgical staple or fastener (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, the cartridge body 4202 is molded from a polymer material with the staple pockets 4208 molded or machined therein. In one arrangement, the staple pockets 4208 also open through a bottom of the cartridge body 4202 to facilitate installation of the drivers and fasteners into their respective staple pockets 4208. Once the drivers and fasteners are inserted into their respective staple pockets 4208, a cartridge pan 4220 is attached to the cartridge body 4202. In one form, the cartridge pan 4220 is fabricated from a metal material and includes a bottom 4222 that spans across the bottom of the cartridge body 4202. The cartridge pan 4220 also includes two upstanding sidewalls 4224 that correspond to each side of the cartridge body 4202. The cartridge pan 4220 may be removably affixed to the cartridge body 4202 by hooks 4226 that are formed on the sidewalls 4224 and configured to hookingly engage corresponding portions of the cartridge body 4202. In addition, the cartridge body 4202 may also have lugs or attachment formations protruding therefrom that are configured to retainingly engage corresponding portions of the cartridge pan 4220. When installed, the cartridge pan 4220 may, among other things, prevent the drivers and fasteners from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body 4202 during handling and installation of the staple cartridge into the first jaw or frame 4010.

Some of the staple drivers operably support a single surgical staple thereon and other staple drivers support more than one surgical staple thereon depending upon the particular cartridge design. Each surgical staple comprises a staple crown and two upstanding staple legs. The staple crown is typically supported on a cradle arrangement formed in a corresponding staple driver such that the legs are vertically oriented toward the anvil when the cartridge is operably seated in the frame 4010. In some arrangements, surgical staples have a somewhat V-shape, wherein the ends of the legs flare slightly outward. Such arrangement may serve to retain the staple in its corresponding staple pocket due to frictional engagement between the legs and the sides of the staple pocket should the cartridge be inadvertently inverted or turned upside down during use. Other surgical staples are roughly U-shaped (the ends of the legs do not flare outward) and may be more susceptible to falling out of the staple pocket should the cartridge be inverted prior to use.

The surgical staple cartridge 4200 further comprises a sled or camming member 4230 that is configured to be axially advanced through the cartridge body 4202 during a staple firing stroke. In a “new”, “fresh” or “unfired” surgical staple cartridge, the sled 4230 is in its proximal-most, “unfired” position. The sled 4230 comprises a plurality of wedges or cam members 4232 that are configured to drivingly engage the corresponding lines of staple drivers in the cartridge body. During the staple firing stroke, the firing member 4050 abuts and pushes the sled 4230 distally into camming contact with the staple drivers thereby sequentially driving the staple drivers upward toward the anvil 4100 as the sled 4230 is driven from its unfired position to its distal-most fully fired position within the cartridge body 4202. As the staple drivers are driven upwardly, the staples are driven through the tissue that is clamped between the deck surface 4204 of the staple cartridge 4200 and the anvil 4100 and into forming contact with the staple-forming undersurface 4104 of the anvil 4100. The tissue-cutting knife 4053 on the firing member 4050 cuts through the stapled tissue as the firing member 4050 is driven distally. After the staple firing stroke has been completed, and/or after a sufficient length of the staple firing stroke has been completed, the firing member 4050 is retracted proximally. However, the sled 4230 is not retracted proximally with the firing member 4050. Instead, the sled 4230 is left behind at the distal-most position in which it was pushed by the firing member 4050.

After a staple cartridge has been fired, or at least partially fired, it is removed from the frame and then replaced with another replaceable staple cartridge, if desired. At such point, the stapling device can be re-used to continue stapling and incising the patient tissue. In some instances, however, a previously-fired staple cartridge can be accidentally loaded into the frame. If the firing member were to be advanced distally within such a previously-fired staple cartridge, the stapling instrument would cut the patient tissue without stapling it. The stapling instrument would similarly cut the patient tissue without stapling it if the firing member were advanced distally through a staple firing stroke without a staple cartridge positioned in the cartridge jaw at all. In addition, various surgical staple cartridges may have different arrays of and/or orientations of staples/fasteners therein. The sizes of the staples or fasteners, as well as the number of fasteners may vary from cartridge type to cartridge type depending upon a particular surgical procedure or application. To ensure that the staples are properly crimped or formed, the surgical staple cartridges must be used in connection with corresponding, compatible anvils that have the proper array of staple-forming pockets therein as well as the proper cutting and firing components. Should a “non-compatible” cartridge be loaded into a surgical stapling device that has an anvil that is mismatched to the staple cartridge, the staples may not be properly formed during the firing process which could lead to catastrophic results. To this end, the surgical stapling assembly 4000 comprises one or more lockouts which prevents this from happening, as discussed in greater detail below.

Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 4002 comprises a first lockout 4300 that is configured to prevent the firing member 4050 from moving distally from its proximal-most, starting position unless an authorized or compatible staple cartridge is operably seated in the first jaw or frame 4010. The first lockout 4300 may also be referred to herein as an “authentication” lockout. In the illustrated arrangement, the first lockout 4300 comprises a single, bi-lateral first lockout spring 4310 that is supported in the proximal end 4014 of the frame 4010 and attached to the shaft mount flange 4030. In one arrangement for example, the first lockout spring 4310 comprises a first lockout arm 4312 that is located on one side of the cartridge axis CA and a second lockout arm 4314 that is located on an opposite side of the cartridge axis CA. The first and second lockout arms 4312, 4314 are attached to a central body portion 4316. See FIG. 7. The spring 4310 is supported in the first jaw or frame 4010 and affixed to the shaft mount flange 4030 by a pin 4034 that extends through holes 4036 in the shaft mount flange 4030 and through holes 4318 in the first lockout arm 4312 and the second lockout arm 4314. The first lockout arm 4312 and the second lockout arm 4314 each further comprise a lockout window or opening 4320. The lockout windows 4320 are each adapted to receive therein a corresponding central pin 4058 protruding from the adjacent first or second lateral side of the firing member 4050 when the firing member 4050 is in its proximal-most or starting position. See FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate the first lockout 4300 in the locked position wherein the central pins 4058 are received within the lockout windows 4320 in the first and second lockout arms 4312, 4314. In some arrangements, those staple cartridges that are compatible with the surgical stapling device 4002 or, stated another way, those staple cartridges that have the proper number, size, and arrangement of staples, may have one or more unlocking or “authorization” keys directly formed on the cartridge body and/or on the cartridge pan that are configured to defeat the first lockout when the compatible staple cartridge is operably seated in the first jaw or frame. Various staple cartridges that have unlocking keys protruding therefrom are disclosed below as well as in various disclosures which have been herein incorporated by reference. In certain instances, however, the clinician may wish to use staple cartridges that are compatible with the surgical stapling device, but otherwise lack the unlocking keys. In such instances, the clinician would be unable to otherwise use those compatible staple cartridges in the surgical stapling device. The surgical stapling device 4002 includes features designed to facilitate use of such compatible staple cartridges that otherwise lack unlocking key features.

Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 10, the stapling assembly 4000 further comprises a retainer 4400 that is configured to be removably coupled to the staple cartridge 4200 which is otherwise compatible with the surgical stapling device 4002. In the illustrated arrangement, the retainer 4400 comprises a top portion 4402 that is coextensive with, and configured to be received on, the deck surface 4204 of the cartridge body 4202. Thus, in at least one configuration, when the retainer 4400 is attached to the cartridge body 4202, the retainer 4400 covers all of the staple pockets 4208 in the cartridge body 4202. As such, when the retainer 4400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200, the retainer 4400 may prevent the surgical staples stored within the staple pockets 4208 from falling out should the staple cartridge 4200 be inverted or turned upside down prior to use. The retainer 4400 also protects the deck surface from being contaminated during shipping and storage.

In one arrangement, the retainer 4400 may be molded from a polymer material and include a plurality of retainer lugs 4410 that are configured to latchingly engage outwardly extending deck ledge portions 4205 that are formed on the cartridge body 4202. The retainer 4400 may further comprise an angled nose portion 4420 and distal latch tab 4422 that that is configured to latching engage a distal nose 4203 of the cartridge body 4202. The retainer 4400 may be removably coupled to the surgical staple cartridge 4200 by engaging the distal latch tab 4422 with an end of the distal nose 4203 and aligning the retainer 4400 such that the underside of the top portion 4402 confronts the cartridge deck surface 4204 and the retainer lugs 4410 are located above the deck ledge portions 4205 on each side of the cartridge body 4202. Thereafter, the retainer 4400 may be pressed toward the staple cartridge 4200 causing the retainer lugs 4410 to flex laterally outward and snap into latching engagement with the corresponding deck ledge portions 4205. Other retainer latching arrangements disclosed herein may also be employed to removably affix the retainer 4400 to the staple cartridge 4200. The retainer 4400 may be removed from the staple cartridge 4200 by applying a prying motion to the distal latch tab 4422 until the retainer lugs 4410 disengage the deck ledge portions 4205. In the illustrated example, the term “LIFT” is molded, embossed, imprinted or otherwise provided on the nose portion 4420 to provide removal instructions to the user.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-13, the retainer 4400 further comprises an authentication key 4430 that is configured to defeat, deactivate or unlatch the first lockout 4300 when the retainer 4400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200 to form a cartridge assembly 4500 and the cartridge assembly 4500 has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 4010. As can be seen in FIG. 11, the authentication key 4430 protrudes proximally from a proximal end 4401of the top portion 4402 of the retainer 4400 and comprises a right ramp feature 4440 and a left ramp feature 4450 that are separated by a space 4460 that is sized to receive the firing member body 4052 therebetween. In the illustrated example, the right ramp feature 4440 angles downward from the top portion 4402 of the retainer 4400 and comprises a proximal right tip 4442. The proximal right tip 4442 defines a first right cam surface 4444 that angles inward at the tip and extends distally to a second right cam surface 4446. The second right cam surface 4446 extends from the first right cam surface 4444 to the top portion 4402. See FIG. 12. Similarly, the left ramp feature 4450 angles downward from the top portion 4402 of the retainer 4400 and comprises a proximal left tip 4452. The proximal left tip 4452 angles inward at the tip and extends distally to a second left cam surface 4456. The second left cam surface 4456 extends from the first left cam surface 4454 to the top portion 4402. The retainer 4400 additionally comprises a retainer keel 4470 that protrudes from the bottom surface of the top portion 4402 and is oriented to be received within the longitudinal slot 4206 in the surgical staple cartridge 4200. Retainer keel 4470 may serve to properly orient the retainer 4400 on the staple cartridge 4200 so that the right and left ramp features 4440 and 4450 extend on each side of the firing member 4050. In addition, the retainer keel 4470 may be configured to engage the sled 4230 in the staple cartridge 4200 and retain the sled 4230 in the unfired position while the retainer 4400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200. The retainer keel 4470 may be sized relative to the longitudinal slot 4206 to establish a frictional fit therewith to retain the retainer 4400 on the staple cartridge 4200.

Referring now to FIGS. 10, 14, and 15, after the retainer 4400 has been attached to the staple cartridge 4200 to form the cartridge assembly 4500, the cartridge assembly 4500 may be longitudinally inserted into the first jaw or frame 4010 so as to bring the right tip 4442 of the right ramp feature 4440 of the authentication key 4430 into contact with an upstanding unlocking tab 4322 on the first lockout arm 4312 and the left tip 4452 of the left ramp 4450 into contact with an upstanding unlocking tab 4324 on the second lockout arm 4314 of the first lockout spring 4310. During the initial longitudinal insertion of the assembled cartridge arrangement 4500 in a proximal direction into the frame 4010, the first right cam surface 4444 biases the first lockout arm 4312 of the first lockout spring 4310 laterally outward (arrow RL in FIG. 14) and the first left cam surface 4454 biases the second lockout arm 4314 laterally outward (arrow LL). Further proximal advancement of the cartridge assembly 4500 into the first jaw or frame 4010 causes the first lockout arm 4312 to attain a first intermediate position wherein the first lockout arm 4312 disengages the corresponding central pin 4058 on the firing member 4050 and also causes the second lockout arm 4314 to attain a second intermediate position wherein the second lockout arm 4314 disengages the corresponding central pin 4058 on the firing member 4050. Continued longitudinal insertion of the assembled cartridge arrangement 4500 in a proximal direction into the first jaw or frame 4010 causes the second right cam surface 4446 to further bias the first lockout arm 4312 laterally outward and the second left cam surface 4456 to further bias the second lockout arm 4314 laterally outward until the cartridge assembly 4500 is completely operably seated in the first jaw or frame 4010. See FIG. 15. When the cartridge assembly 4500 has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 4010, a distal first retention tab 4326 on the first lockout arm 4312 engages a corresponding side of the staple cartridge 4200 to retain the first lockout arm 4312 in that unlocked position. Likewise a distal second retention tab 4328 formed on the second lockout arm 4314 engages another corresponding side of the staple cartridge 4200 to retain the second lockout arm 4314 in that unlocked position. When in that position, the first lockout 4300 is in the unlocked position or, stated another way, is “defeated”. During the unlocking process, the right and left ramps 4440, 4450 may be reinforced by the firing member 4050 in applications wherein the locking forces generated from the first spring 4310 are high.

The user may then remove the retainer 4400 from the staple cartridge 4200 by prying the up the distal latch tab 4422 and lifting the retainer 4400 upward until the retainer lugs 4410 disengage the deck ledge portions 4205 on the cartridge body 4202. With the first lockout 4300 defeated or unlocked, the firing member 4050 may be distally advanced from the starting position and is in a “ready state”. After the staple cartridge 4200 has been fired, the firing member 4050 is retracted back to the starting position and the second jaw or anvil 4100 is pivoted back to the open position. The spent staple cartridge may then be removed from the first jaw or frame 4010. Once the spent staple cartridge 4200 has been removed from the first jaw or frame 4010, the first and second lockout arms 4312, 4314 spring back into engagement with the corresponding central pins 4058 on the firing member 4050 to once again retain the firing member 4050 in the starting position.

Other first lockout spring arrangements are contemplated. For example, a first lockout spring may only comprise one lateral lockout arm and engage only one side of the firing member. In such arrangements, an authentication key comprising only one ramp may be needed to unlock the lockout arm.

As discussed above, when the cartridge assembly 4500 is operably seated in the frame 4010, the first lockout 4300 is defeated or unlocked to permit the firing member 4050 to be distally advanced from that ready state during a staple firing stroke. When attached to the staple cartridge 4200, the retainer 4400 covers the cartridge deck surface 4204 and prevents staples from falling out of the staple pockets 4208 as well as prevents any debris or contamination from entering the longitudinal slot 4206 or staple pockets 4208 which could damage the staple cartridge or prevent it from operating properly. Other variations of the retainer 4400 are contemplated wherein only a portion of the cartridge deck surface 4204 is covered by the retainer. Other configurations may not cover any of staple pockets and/or any of the deck surface.

As was also discussed above, after a staple cartridge has been fired, or at least partially fired, it is removed from the first jaw or frame and then replaced with another compatible staple cartridge, if desired. At such point, the stapling device can be re-used to continue stapling and incising the patient tissue. In some instances, however, a previously-fired staple cartridge can be accidentally loaded into the frame. If the firing member were to be advanced distally within such a previously-fired staple cartridge (sometimes referred to herein as a “spent” cartridge), the stapling instrument would cut the patient tissue without stapling it. This could conceivably happen even if the retainer 4400 were inadvertently accidentally attached to the spent cartridge and the resulting cartridge assembly is then seated into the frame so as to defeat the first lockout. The surgical stapling device would similarly cut the patient tissue without stapling it if the firing member were advanced distally through a staple firing stroke without a staple cartridge positioned in the cartridge jaw at all. To prevent these occurrences from happening, the surgical stapling device 4002 further comprises a second lockout 4600 that is configured to prevent the firing member 4050 from distally advancing through the staple firing stroke when a spent staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw or frame 4010.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, and 16-19, the knife bar 4042, which may comprise a solid or laminated structure, comprises a spring tab 4044 that is configured to operably interface with a spring plate 4070 that is mounted or grounded in the bottom of the first jaw or frame 4010. The spring plate 4070 is provided with a hole 4072 that is configured to receive the spring tab 4044 therein when the firing member 4050 is in its proximal-most, “starting” position. When in that position, the spring tab 4044 extends into the hole 4072 and may serve to prevent any inadvertent distal movement of the firing member 4050 until desired by the operator. In the illustrated example, the second lockout 4600 further comprises blocking features or ledges 4602 that are formed in the bottom of the frame 4010. If the user were to attempt to distally advance the firing member 4050 before a cartridge has been operably seated into the frame 4010, the spring tab 4044 in cooperation with the spring plate 4070 will cause the firing member 4050 to dive downward bringing the central pins 4058 on the firing member 4050 into contact with the blocking features 4602 in the frame and thereby prevent the firing member 4050 from advancing distally.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate operation of the second lockout 4600 when a spent staple cartridge 4200S has been seated into the frame 4010. As used in this context, the term “spent” staple cartridge may refer to a staple cartridge that has been previously fully fired or partially fired. In either case, the sled 4230 will have been distally advanced from its proximal-most, unfired position. FIG. 16 depicts the firing member 4050 in the proximal-most, starting position with the spent staple cartridge 4200S seated in the frame 4010. FIG. 17 illustrates the second lockout 4600 preventing the firing member 4050 from being distally advanced into the spent cartridge 4200S. As can be seen in FIG. 17, the spring tab 4044 in cooperation with the spring plate 4070 has caused the firing member 4050 to dive downward bringing the central pins 4058 on the firing member 4050 into contact with the blocking features 4602 in the frame to thereby prevent the firing member 4050 from advancing distally.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate operation of the second lockout 4600 when an unfired staple cartridge 4200 has been seated into the first jaw or frame 4010. As can be seen in FIGS. 18 and 19, the sled 4230 is in its proximal-most, unfired position. The sled 4230 comprises an unlocking ledge 4234 that is configured to be engaged by an unlocking feature 4055 that is formed on the firing member body 4052. FIG. 18 illustrates the firing member 4050 in the proximal-most, starting position with the unfired staple cartridge 4200 seated in the first jaw or frame 4010. When the firing member 4050 is advanced distally, the unlocking feature 4055 on the firing member 4050 engages the unlocking ledge 4234 on the sled 4230 which causes the firing member 4050 to be lifted upward so that the central pins 4058 on the firing member 4050 clear the blocking features 4060 in the first jaw or frame 4010. The firing member 4050 is now free to continue its distal advancement into the staple cartridge 4200 to complete the staple firing stroke. As the firing member 4050 is distally advanced, the foot 4054 may engage corresponding surfaces on the bottom of the first jaw or frame 4010 and the top pins 4056 may engage a cam surface on the anvil 4100 of the surgical stapling device 4002 which co-operate to position the anvil 4100 and the staple cartridge 4200 relative to one another. That said, embodiments are envisioned without one or both of the foot 4054 and top pins 4056.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the first lockout 5300 is proximal to the second lockout 4600. The first lockout 5300 is positioned within the surgical stapling device 4002 such that the first lockout 5300 is proximal to the sled 4230 of an unfired staple cartridge 4200 that has been seated in the first jaw or frame 4010. The first lockout 5300 is configured to move laterally between engaged positions wherein the first lock prevents distal advancement of the firing member 4050 from a starting position and disengaged positions wherein the firing member 4050 may be distally advanced therefrom (sometimes referred to herein as a “ready state”). For example, the first and second lockout arms 4312 and 4314 are configured to move in a first horizontal plane FP between engaged and disengaged positions. See FIG. 8. With regard to the second lockout 4600, the firing member 4050 moves vertically between the unlocked and locked positions along a second plane SP. See FIG. 9. In the illustrated example, the second plane SP is orthogonal to the first plane FP. When the firing member 4050 is in the ready state, if firing motions are applied thereto, the firing member 4050 may move distally. However, unless a compatible staple cartridge that has a sled located in an unfired position therein is seated in the frame to unlock the second lockout, the firing member will be prevented from distally advancing through the staple firing stroke.

FIGS. 20-23 illustrate another surgical stapling assembly 5000 that is similar in many aspects to surgical stapling assembly 4000 discussed above. The surgical stapling assembly 5000 comprises a surgical stapling device 5002 that may be employed in connection with the surgical instrument 1010 described above or in connection with a variety of other surgical instruments described in various disclosures that have been incorporated by reference herein. As can be seen in FIG. 20, the surgical stapling device 5002 comprises a first jaw or frame 5010 that is configured to operably support a compatible staple cartridge 4200 therein. The first jaw or frame 5010 may be attached to a spine of a shaft assembly of a surgical instrument or robot in the various manners described herein and/or described in the various disclosures which have been incorporated by reference herein. In the illustrated example, the first jaw or frame 5010 is attached to the spine of a shaft assembly (not shown in FIG. 20), by a shaft mount flange 5030 that is pinned by a pin 5032 or otherwise attached to a proximal end 5014 of the first jaw 5010. In particular, pin 5032 is configured to pass through aligned holes 5021 in upstanding sidewalls 5020 of the first jaw or frame 5010 as well as through hole 5031 in the shaft mount flange 5030. The shaft mount flange 5030 is configured to interface with an articulation joint arrangement (not shown) that is configured to facilitate articulation of the first jaw 5010 relative to the shaft assembly in various known configurations. The surgical stapling device 5002 may also be used in connection with shaft assemblies that do not facilitate articulation of the surgical stapling device 5002.

Still referring to FIG. 20, the surgical stapling device 5002 further comprises a firing member assembly 5040 that comprises a knife bar 5042 that is attached to a knife member or firing member 5050. The knife bar 5042 also interfaces with corresponding components and firing systems in the surgical instrument or robot to receive firing motions which can distally advance the knife bar 5042 and firing member 5050 through a staple firing stroke from a starting position to an ending position and also retract the knife bar 5042 and firing member 5050 proximally to the starting position. In the illustrated arrangement, the firing member 5050 comprises a firing member body 5052 that supports a cutting edge or knife edge 5053. The firing member 5050 further comprises a foot 5054 that is formed on the bottom of the firing member body 5052 and extends laterally from each side thereof. The firing member 5050 further comprises a pair of top pins or tabs 5056 that extend laterally from the firing member body 5052 that are adapted to engage ledges on a second jaw or anvil as will be discussed further herein. Additionally, the firing member 5050 comprises a pair of central pins or tabs 5058 that protrude laterally from each side of the firing member body 5052. In some of the disclosures incorporated by reference herein, the firing member 5050 may also be referred to as an “E-Beam” firing member or cutting member.

Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 5002 further comprises a second jaw or anvil 5100 that is movable relative to the first jaw or frame 5010. The anvil 5100 comprises an anvil body 5102 and an anvil mounting portion 5110. The anvil body 5102 comprises a staple forming undersurface or tissue contacting surface 5104 that has a series of staple forming pockets (not shown) formed therein that are arranged to form corresponding staples as they are driven into forming contact therewith. The anvil mounting portion 5110 comprises a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnion pins 5112 that are configured to be received in corresponding trunnion holes 5022 provided in the upstanding sidewalls 5020 of the first jaw or frame 5010. Unlike the anvil 4100 described above, the anvil 5100 is pivotally pinned to the frame 5010 for pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed pivot axis. Stated another way, unlike anvil 4100, anvil 5100 does not materially move axially or translate during the anvil closure process. In various arrangements, the trunnion holes 5022 may be sized relative to the trunnion pins 5112 to facilitate installation therein and free pivotal travel of the trunnion pins such that the trunnion pins may have some slight axial movement therein, but any of such axial motion is much less than the axial translation of the anvil 4100.

As discussed above, as well as in several of the disclosures which have been incorporated by reference herein, the anvil 5100 may be movable from an open position wherein a used or spent staple cartridge may either be removed from the first jaw or frame 5010 or an unfired staple cartridge may be operably seated therein to a closed position by an axially movable closure member or end effector closure tube (not shown). For example, as the closure member is moved distally from a proximal position, the closure tube may operably engage a cam surface on the anvil mounting portion 5110. Such interaction between the closure member and the anvil mounting portion 5110 causes the anvil mounting portion 5110 and the anvil trunnion pins 5112 to pivot until the closure member moves the anvil 5100 to a fully closed position. When in the fully closed position, the staple-forming pockets in the anvil 5100 are properly aligned with the staples in a corresponding compatible surgical staple cartridge that has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 5010. When the axially movable closure member is thereafter moved in a proximal direction, the closure member causes the anvil 5100 to pivot back to the open position.

Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 5002 comprises a first lockout 5300 that is configured to prevent the firing member 5050 from moving distally from its proximal-most, starting position when an authorized or compatible staple cartridge is not operably seated in the frame 5010. The first lockout 5300 may also be referred to herein as an “authentication” lockout. In the illustrated arrangement, the first lockout 5300 comprises a single, a pivotal first spring assembly 5310 that is supported in a proximal end 5014 of the first jaw or frame 5010 and is attached to the shaft mount flange 5030. In one arrangement for example, the first spring assembly 5310 comprises a first lockout arm 5312 and a second lockout arm 5314 that are attached to a central body portion 5316. The first spring assembly 5310 is attached to the shaft mount flange 5030 by a pin 5034 that extends through holes 5036 in the shaft mount flange 5030 and through holes 5318 in the first lockout arm 5312 and the second lockout arm 5314. The first lockout arm 5312 and the second lockout arm 5314 each further comprise a lockout latch feature 5320. Each lockout latch feature 5320 is adapted to releasably capture therein a corresponding central pin 5058 on the firing member 5050 when the firing member 5050 is in its proximal-most or starting position. See FIG. 21. Additionally, the first lockout spring assembly 5310 further comprises a pivot spring or springs 5330 that serve to bias or pivot the first spring assembly 5310 downwardly about the pin 5034 to bring the latch features 5320 into latching or locking engagement with the corresponding central pins 5058.

The surgical stapling assembly 5000 may further comprise a retainer 5400 that is similar to retainer 4400 described above. The retainer 5400 comprises a top portion 5402 that is coextensive with and configured to be received on the deck surface 4204 of the staple cartridge 4200 such that when the retainer 5400 is attached to the cartridge body 4202, the retainer 5400 covers all of the staple pockets 4208 in the cartridge body 4202. Thus, when the retainer 5400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200, the retainer 5400 may prevent the surgical staples stored within the staple pockets 4208 from falling out should the surgical staple cartridge 4200 be inverted or turned upside down prior to use. Other retainer configurations are contemplated wherein the retainer top does not cover all or any of the staple pockets. In the illustrated arrangement, the retainer 5400 may be molded from a polymer material and include a plurality of retainer lugs 5410 that are configured to latchingly engage outwardly extending deck ledge portions 4205 on the staple cartridge body 4202. The retainer 5400 may further comprise an angled nose portion 5420 and a distal latch tab 5422 that that is configured to latchingly engage the distal nose 4203 of the cartridge body 4202. The retainer 5400 may be removably coupled to the staple cartridge 4200 by engaging the distal latch tab 5422 with the end of the staple cartridge distal nose 4203 and aligning the retainer 5400 such that the underside of the top portion 5402 confronts the cartridge deck surface 4204 and the retainer lugs 5410 are located above the deck ledge portions 4205 on each side of the staple cartridge body 4202. Thereafter, the retainer 5400 may be pressed toward the staple cartridge 4200 causing the retainer lugs 5410 to flex laterally outward and snap into latching engagement with the corresponding deck ledge portions 4205. Other retainer latching arrangements disclosed herein may also be employed to removably affix the retainer 5400 to the staple cartridge 4200.

The retainer 5400 further comprises an authentication key 5430 that is adapted to engage key pockets 5322 that are formed in the first lockout arm 5312 and the second lockout arm 5314. As can be seen in FIG. 20, the authentication key 5430 protrudes proximally from a proximal end 5401 of the top portion 5402 of the retainer 5400 and comprises a right ramp feature 5440 and a left ramp feature 5450 that are separated by a space that is sized to receive the firing member body 5052 therebetween. In the illustrated example, the ramps 5440 and 5450 angle downward from the top portion 5402 of the retainer 5400 and are configured to enter the key pockets 5322 in the first and second lockout arms 5312, 5314.

In use, the retainer 5400 is removably attached to the staple cartridge 4200 to form a cartridge assembly 5500. Thereafter, the cartridge assembly is initially inserted into the first jaw or frame 5010 so as to insert the ramps 5440 and 5450 of the authentication key 5430 into the key pockets 5322 in the first and second lockout arms 5312, 5314. See FIG. 21. Further longitudinal advancement of the cartridge assembly 5500 into the first jaw or frame 5010 in a proximal direction causes the ramps 5440 and 5450 to pivot the first spring 5310 upward into a disengaged or unlocked position wherein the latch features 5320 have disengaged the corresponding central pins 5058. See FIG. 22. When the cartridge assembly 5500 has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 5010, a distally facing detent 5326 that is formed on each of the first and second lockout arms 5312, 5314 retainingly engage a proximal end of the staple cartridge 4200 as shown in FIG. 22. Such arrangement serves to retain the first spring 5310 in the disengaged position. When in that position, the first lockout 5300 is in the unlocked position or stated another way is “defeated”, unlocked or unlatched. The user may then remove the retainer 5400 from the staple cartridge 4200 by prying the up the distal latch tab 5422 and lifting the retainer 5400 upward until the retainer lugs 5410 disengage the deck ledge portions 4205. In the illustrated example, the term “LIFT” is molded, embossed, imprinted or otherwise provided on the nose portion 5420 to provide removal instructions to the user. The surgical staple cartridge 5200 remaining in the frame 5010 is ready to be fired. See FIG. 23.

The surgical stapling device 5002 also includes a second lockout 5600 that is very similar to the second lockout 4600 described above. Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, the knife bar 5042, which may comprise a solid or laminated structure, comprises a spring tab 5044 that is configured to operably interface with a spring plate 5070 that is mounted in the bottom of the first jaw 5010. The spring plate 5070 serves to pivot the firing member 5050 downward such that the central pins 5038 thereon contact the frame blocking or abutment features (not shown) in the bottom of the frame 5010 unless an unlocking feature 5055 on the firing member 5050 engages an unlocking ledge 4234 on the sled 4230 causing the firing member 5050 to be lifted upward so that the central pins 5058 on the firing member 5050 clear the blocking features in the frame 5010 was discussed above.

FIGS. 24-26 illustrate an alternative compatible surgical staple cartridge 4200′ that is configured to actuate the first lockout 5300 in the manner described above. In this arrangement, however, the authentication key 5030′ is formed on the cartridge pan 4220′. As can be seen in FIG. 24, the authentication key 5030′ comprises a right ramp feature 5440′ and a left ramp feature 5450′ that are bent into the cartridge pan 4220′ to protrude proximally therefrom. A reinforcement rib 5441′ may be embossed into each joint where the ramps 5440′ and 5450′ are formed to provide additional support and rigidity to each of the ramps 5440′, 5450′. In the illustrated example, the ramp 5440′ has an angled proximal tip 5442′ and the ramp 5450′ contains an angled proximal tip 5452. The tips 5442′, 5452′ are each configured to enter the key pockets 5322 in the first and second lockout arms 5312, 5314 to pivot the first lockout 5300 in the above described manner. The first lockout 5300 otherwise operates in the manner described above.

Referring to FIG. 27, an example of a surgical stapling assembly 6000 is shown. The surgical stapling assembly 6000 comprises a surgical stapling device 6002 that may be employed in connection with the surgical instrument 1010 described above or in connection with a variety of other surgical instruments or robots described in various disclosures that have been incorporated by reference herein. As can be seen in FIG. 27, the surgical stapling device 6002 comprises a first jaw, or frame 6010 that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 4200 therein. The first jaw or frame 6010 is attached to a spine of the shaft assembly (not shown) by a shaft mount flange 4030 (FIG. 6) in the various manners described herein. The surgical stapling device 6002 further comprises a firing member assembly that comprises a knife bar that is attached to a knife member or firing member 4050 as was described above.

Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 6002 comprises a second jaw or anvil 6100 that is movable relative to the first jaw or frame 6010. The anvil 6100 is similar to anvil 4100 described above and comprises an anvil body 6102 and an anvil mounting portion 6110. The anvil body 6102 comprises a staple forming undersurface or tissue contacting surface 6104 that has a series of staple forming pockets (not shown) formed therein that are arranged to form corresponding staples as they are driven into forming contact therewith. The anvil mounting portion 6110 comprises a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnion assemblies 6112. Each trunnion assembly 6112 comprises an outwardly and downwardly protruding lock lug portion 6120 that has a trunnion pin 6122 extending therefrom. Each trunnion pin 6122 is configured to be received in corresponding trunnion slots 6022 in the upstanding sidewalls 6020 of the first jaw 6010. In the illustrated arrangement, the trunnion slots 6022 are somewhat “kidney-shaped’ and facilitate pivotal as well as axial travel of the corresponding trunnion pins 6122 therein.

As discussed above, as well as in several of the disclosures which have been incorporated by reference herein, the anvil 6100 may be movable from an open position wherein a used or spent surgical staple cartridge may either be removed from the frame 6010 or a fresh, new staple cartridge may be operably seated therein to a closed position by an axially movable closure member or end effector closure tube (not shown). For example, as the closure member is moved distally from a proximal position, the closure member may operably engage a cam surface on the anvil mounting portion 6110. Such interaction between the closure member and the anvil mounting portion 6110 causes the anvil mounting portion 6110 and the anvil trunnion pins 6122 to pivot and translate up the trunnion slots 6022 until the closure member moves the anvil 6100 to a closed position. When in the fully closed position, the staple-forming pockets in the anvil 6100 are properly aligned with the staples in a corresponding compatible staple cartridge that has been operably seated in the frame 6010. When the axially movable closure member is thereafter moved in a proximal direction, the closure member interfaces with an upstanding tab 6114 on the anvil mounting portion 6110 to return the anvil 6100 to the open position.

Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 6002 comprises a first lockout 6300 that is configured to prevent the second jaw or anvil 6100 from being movable from the open position to the closed position by the closure member. The first lockout 6300 may also be referred to herein as an “authentication” lockout. In the illustrated arrangement, the first lockout 6300 comprises a first lockout arm 6310 that is pivotally supported in the frame 6010 by a lockout pin 6312 that is attached thereto. In one example, the first lockout arm 6310 is fabricated from stainless steel or the like and the lockout pin 6312 is welded or otherwise attached thereto. The lockout pin 6312 is pivotally seated in a pivot hole 6013 in the frame 6010 to facilitate pivotal travel of the first lockout arm 6310 between a locked position and an unlocked position. See FIG. 28. In the illustrated example, a lockout feature 6316 is formed on the proximal end 6314 of the first lockout arm 6310 and is configured to blockingly engage the lock lug portion 6120 on the corresponding trunnion assembly 6112 when the first lockout arm 6310 is in an engaged position. When the lockout feature 6316 blockingly engages the lock lug portion 6120 on the trunnion assembly 6112, the lockout feature 6316 prevents the trunnion assembly 6112 from traveling within the corresponding trunnion slot 6022 in the first jaw or frame 6010 which effectively prevents the second jaw or anvil 6100 from moving from the open position to the closed position should a closure motion be applied thereto. This position of the first lockout arm 6310 may be referred to herein as a “jaw locking position”. It will be appreciated that the lockout feature 6316, as well as the lock lug portion 6120, may be sufficiently robust so as to resist substantial closure motions that applied to the anvil 6100 to prevent closure of the anvil 6100.

Still referring to FIG. 28, a first lockout spring 6330 is supported in a corresponding sidewall 6020 of the first jaw or frame 6010 to bias the first lockout arm 6310 in a locking direction LD to the engaged, locked or “jaw locking” position wherein the first lockout arm 6310 prevents the anvil 6100 from moving from the open position to the closed position. A travel limiting plate or mounting plate 6070 is supported within the frame 6010 and attached to the shaft mounting assembly. The travel limiting plate 6070 also provides lateral support to the first lockout arm 6310 when in the jaw locking position. See FIG. 29. As can be seen in FIGS. 28 and 29, the first lockout arm 6310 further comprises an upstanding actuator cam arm 6322 that is formed on a distal end 6320 of the first lockout arm 6310. The actuator cam arm 6322 comprises an actuator cam surface 6324. The first lockout arm 6310 further comprises a retention tab 6326 that is configured to be received within a corresponding opening or tab window 6024 that is provided in a frame sidewall 6020.

Turning now to FIG. 27, the stapling assembly 6000 further comprises a retainer 6400 that is configured to be removably coupled to the surgical staple cartridge 4200. In various embodiments, the retainer 6400 is substantially similar to the retainer 4400 described above except for the authentication key 6430. In the illustrated arrangement, the retainer 6400 comprises a top portion 6402 that is coextensive with and configured to be received on the deck surface 4204 such that when the retainer 6400 is attached to the cartridge body 4202, the retainer 6400 covers all of the staple pockets 4208 in the cartridge body 4202. In alternative versions the retainer top may only cover some of the staple pockets or none at all. The retainer 6400 may be molded from a polymer material and include a plurality of retainer lugs 6410 that are configured to latchingly engage outwardly extending deck ledge portions 4205 that are formed on the staple cartridge body 4202. The retainer 6400 may further comprise an angled nose portion 6420 and a distal latch tab 6422 that that is configured to latching engage the distal nose 4203 of the staple cartridge body 4202. The retainer 6400 may be removably coupled to the surgical staple cartridge 4200 by engaging the latch tab 6422 with the end of the distal nose 4203 and aligning the retainer 6400 such that the underside of the top portion 6402 of the retainer 6400 confronts the cartridge deck surface 4204 and the retainer lugs 6410 are located above the deck ledge portions 4205 on each side of the cartridge body 4202. Thereafter, the retainer 6400 may be pressed toward the staple cartridge 4200 causing the retainer lugs 6410 to flex laterally outward and snap into latching engagement with the corresponding deck ledge portions 4205. Other retainer latching arrangements disclosed herein may also be employed to removably affix the retainer 6400 to the staple cartridge 4200. The retainer 6400 may be removed from the staple cartridge 4200 by applying a prying motion to the distal latch tab 6422 and lifting upward until the retainer lugs 6410 disengage the deck ledge portions 4205. In the illustrated example, the term “LIFT” is molded or embossed into the nose portion 6420 to provide removal instructions to the user.

Referring now to FIGS. 32-35, the retainer 6400 further comprises an authentication key 6430 that is configured to defeat, unlock or unlatch the first lockout 6300 when the retainer 6400 is attached to the surgical staple cartridge 4200 and the surgical staple cartridge 4200 has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 6010. As can be seen in FIG. 32, the authentication key 6430 protrudes proximally from a proximal end 6401 of the top portion 6402 of the retainer 6400 and comprises an angled ramp feature 6440 that is positioned on one side of the cartridge axis CA when the retainer 6400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200. In the illustrated example, the ramp 6440 angles downward from the top portion 6402 of the retainer 6400 and comprises a proximal tip 6442 that defines a first or proximal cam surface 6444 that angles inward at the tip. A second or distal cam surface 6446 is located below the first cam surface 6444. These dual sequential cam surfaces 6444, 6446 are configured to interface with the actuator cam surface 6324 on the actuator cam arm 6322 to move the first lockout arm 6310 from the locked or jaw locking position to the unlocked or jaw closure position. Such arrangement affords little room for the authentication key 6430 to unlockingly actuate the actuator cam arm 6322 when the staple cartridge supporting the retainer 6400 is operably seated in the first jaw or frame 6010. The dual cam surface arrangement facilitates pivotal actuation of the first lockout arm 6310 a sufficient pivotal distance required to place the first lockout arm 6310 in the disengaged or jaw closure position. This amount of pivotal travel may be more than twice the width of the ramp 6440, for example.

FIG. 29 illustrates the first lockout 6300 in the locked or jaw locking position wherein the first lockout arm 6310 is pivoted into position wherein the lockout feature 6316 is in blocking engagement with the lock lug portion 6120 on the trunnion assembly 6112 on the anvil 6100. Referring now to FIG. 36, after the retainer 6400 has been attached to the surgical staple cartridge 4200 to form a cartridge assembly 6500, the cartridge assembly 6500 may be inserted into the first jaw or frame 6010 such that the first cam surface 6444 engages the actuator cam surface 6324 on the actuator cam arm 6322 and begins to pivot the first lockout arm 6310 out of the locked or jaw locking position to an intermediate position. Continued longitudinal insertion of the assembled cartridge arrangement 6500 into the frame 6010 in a proximal direction causes the first cam surface 6444 to disengage the actuator cam surface 6324 and the lower, second cam surface 6446 to engage the actuator cam surface 6324 to move the first lockout arm 6310 from the intermediate position to the jaw closure position. See FIG. 37. When the first lockout arm 6310 is in the locked or jaw locking position, the actuator cam arm 6322 is located distal to the firing member 6050. The lower second cam surface 6446 completes the pivotal travel of the first lockout arm 6310 so that the actuator cam arm 6322 does not interfere with the operation of the firing member 6050 while allowing the anvil 6100 to move to a closed position. When the first lockout arm 6310 is in the unlocked or jaw closure position, the retention tab 6326 is received within the tab window 6024 in the frame sidewall 6020 and is retained therein by the staple cartridge 4200. When in that position, the first lockout 6300 is in the jaw closure position or stated another way is “defeated”, unlocked or unlatched. The user may then remove the retainer 6400 from the surgical staple cartridge 4200 by prying the up the distal latch tab 6422 and lifting the retainer 6400 upward until the retainer lugs 6410 disengage the deck ledge portions 4205.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the space required to interface with the first lockout 6300 is available when the anvil 6100 is open, but is not available when the anvil 6100 is closed. The retainer 6400 is present on the cartridge 4200 only when the anvil 6100 is open during the cartridge insertion process. Thereafter, the retainer 6400 is removed from the staple cartridge 4200. The anvil 6100 cannot be closed when the retainer 6400 is in place. When closed, the anvil 6100 occupies the space that was occupied by the retainer 6400. This arrangement is very different from a cartridge-based authentication key arrangement that remains resident in the stapling device during the closing and firing of the device. Dual sequential ramps/camming surfaces are employed in this arrangement to move the first lockout arm 6310 laterally through a distance that is approximately at least twice as wide as the authentication key 6430. This may be an important aspect to this design.

The proximal high ramp or camming surface begins the unlocking movement and engages the upstaging actuator cam arm 6322 that is distal to the firing member 4050. It will be appreciated that a stationary locking feature that is unable to be moved or removed would not be able to reach this area without affecting the ability to move the firing member 4050 through the staple firing stroke. The second lower ramp/camming surface completes the unlocking movement of the first unlocking arm 6310 so that it is completely clear for the anvil 6100 to close. The second ramp/camming surface is sequentially spaced behind the first ramp/camming surface so that it can only engage the distal end of the first lockout arm 6310 after the first ramp/camming surface has pivoted it to that intermediate position.

FIG. 38 illustrates the staple cartridge 4200 operably seated in the frame 6010 with the first lockout 6300 defeated and the retainer 6400 removed from the staple cartridge 4200. The anvil 6100 is now movable between the open and closed position and the surgical staple cartridge 4200 is otherwise capable of being fired. In at least one form, the surgical stapling device 6002 may also include a second lockout 4600 that is configured to prevent the firing member 4050 from distally advancing through the staple firing stroke when a spent staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw or frame 6010 in the various manners discussed above. After the staple cartridge 4200 has been fired, the firing member 4050 is retracted back to the starting position and the second jaw or anvil 6100 is pivoted back to the open position. The spent staple cartridge may then be removed from the first jaw or frame 6010. Once the spent staple cartridge 4200 has been removed from the first jaw or frame 6010, the first lockout spring biases the first lockout arm 6310 back to the jaw locking position wherein second jaw or anvil 6100 is prevented from moving from the open to closed position.

FIG. 38A is another top view of the surgical stapling device 6002 with a cartridge assembly 6500′ seated therein that comprises a retainer 6400′ that is attached to a staple cartridge 4200. The retainer 6400′ is similar to retainer 6400 described above, except that the authentication key 6430′ and ramp 6440′ are blended into a side wall 6403′ of the retainer 6400′. The retainer 6400′ may otherwise operate in the same manner as retainer 6400 discussed above.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a proximal end of a staple cartridge 4200″ that is identical to staple cartridge 4200 described above, except that an authentication key 4228″ is folded into a cartridge pan 4220″ that is attached to a cartridge body 4202″ as shown. As shown in FIGS. 40-42, the staple cartridge 4200″ is configured to be used in connection with a surgical stapling assembly 6000′ that comprises a surgical stapling device 6002′ that comprises a first lockout 6300′. Surgical stapling device 6002′ is substantially identical to surgical stapling device 6002 except for a distal end of 6311′ of a first lockout arm 6310′ that is pivotally supported in a frame 6010′ by a lockout pin 6312′ that is attached thereto. A proximal end 6314′ of the first lockout arm 6310′ is identical to the proximal end 6314 of the first lockout arm 6310 and is configured to blockingly engage a lock lug portion on the corresponding trunnion assembly 6112′ of an anvil 6100′ in the manner described in detail above. A lockout spring 6330′ serves to pivot the first lockout arm 6310′ to the locked position in the manner described above. FIG. 40 illustrates insertion of the staple cartridge 4200″ into the frame 6010′. As can be seen in FIG. 40, the first lockout arm 6310′ is in a locked or jaw locking position wherein the proximal end 6314′ (FIG. 41) is in blocking engagement with the lock lug on the trunnion assembly 6112′ to prevent closure of the anvil 6100′. FIGS. 41 and 42 illustrate the staple cartridge 4200″ fully seated in the frame 6010′. As can be seen in FIGS. 41 and 42, the authentication key 4228″ has pivoted the first lockout arm 6310′ into a jaw closure position and retains the first lockout arm 6310′ in that position. When in the jaw closure position, the anvil 6100 is free to be pivoted closed as illustrated in FIG. 41. In this arrangement, the authentication key 4228″ comprises a portion of the staple cartridge and is not mounted to a removable retainer. The authentication key 4228″ retains the first lockout arm 6310′ in the jaw closure position while the staple cartridge remains seated in the frame 6010′ throughout the stapling procedure.

After the staple cartridge 4200′ has been fired, the user returns a firing member of the surgical stapling device 6002′ back to a starting position and the anvil 6100′ is pivoted to the open position allowing the spent staple cartridge to be removed from the frame 6010′. When the spent staple cartridge 4200′ is removed from the frame 6010′, the lockout spring 6330′ pivots the first lockout arm 6310′ back to the jaw locking position. In some instances, the spent staple cartridge may be “reprocessed” for reuse in another stapling procedure and/or another stapling device. It is important for those reprocessing entities to install the proper surgical staples as well as the proper number of surgical staples into the reprocessed staple cartridge required to make that cartridge compatible with a particular stapling device to ensure the desired results during use. Unfortunately, some reprocessing entities at times fail to properly reprocess the spent cartridge, yet still offer the reprocessed spent cartridge as a new cartridge manufactured by the original manufacturer. The end user may unwittingly obtain the defective cartridge and use it in a surgical stapling device. In an effort to prevent such instances from occurring, once the spent cartridge has been removed from the surgical stapling device 6002′, the authentication key 4228″ may be irretrievably flattened. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 39, the authentication key 4228″ is formed with a pair of lugs 4229″ that are slidably received in slots 4223″ provided in the cartridge pan 4220″. By a applying a flattening force FF to the tip of the authentication key 4228″ the key may be flattened against the proximal end 4225″ of the cartridge pan 4220″ rendering the authentication key 4228″ inoperable for future use.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a proximal end of a staple cartridge 4200″′ that is identical to staple cartridge 4200 described above, except that an authentication key 4228′ is folded into a cartridge pan 4220″′ that is attached to a cartridge body 4202″′ as shown. In this embodiment, the authentication key 4228′ protrudes from a top flap 4225″′ of the cartridge pan 4220″′ that is folded over a portion of a cartridge deck 4204″′ which may serve to enhance the strength of the authentication key 4228′. The authentication key 4228′ may further comprise a folded stiffener wall portion 4227′ and have an angled actuation or cam surface 4229A″ and a latch surface 4229B″′. As shown in FIGS. 44-46, the staple cartridge 4200″′ is configured to be used in connection with a surgical stapling assembly 6000″ that comprises a surgical stapling device 6002″ that comprises a first lockout 6300″.

In many aspects, surgical stapling device 6002″ is substantially identical to surgical stapling device 6002 and includes a first lockout arm 6310″ that is pivotally supported in a frame 6010″ by a lockout pin 6312″ that is attached thereto. A proximal end 6314″ of the first lockout arm 6310″ may be identical to the proximal end 6314 of the first lockout arm 6310 and is configured to blockingly engage a lock lug portion on the corresponding trunnion assembly 6112″ of an anvil 6100″ in the manner described in detail above. A lockout spring 6330″ serves to pivot the first lockout arm 6310″ to the locked or jaw locking position in the manner described above. A distal end of the first lockout arm 6310″ comprises an upstanding actuator cam arm 6322″ that is configured to be engaged by the authentication key 4228′ on the staple cartridge 4200″′.

FIG. 46 illustrates insertion of the staple cartridge 4200″′ into the frame 6010″. The first lockout arm 6310″ is in a jaw locking position wherein the proximal end 6314″ is in blocking engagement with the lock lug on the trunnion assembly 6112′ to prevent closure of the anvil 6100″. During the initial insertion of the staple cartridge 4200″′ into the frame 6010″, the angled actuation or cam surface 4229A″′ has contacted the upstanding actuator cam arm 6322″ to begin to pivot the first lockout arm 6310″ out of the jaw locking position. Continued insertion of the staple cartridge 4200″′ into the frame 6010″ causes the authentication key 4228′ to pivot the first lockout arm 6310″ to the unlocked or jaw closure position wherein the actuator cam arm 6322″ has disengaged the angled cam surface 4229A″′ and is retained in that unlocked or jaw closure position by the latch surface 4229B″′ on the authentication key 4228′. See FIGS. 44 and 45. When in the unlocked or jaw closure position, the anvil 6100″ is free to be pivoted closed. In this arrangement, the authentication key 4228′ comprises a portion of the staple cartridge and is not mounted to a removable retainer. The authentication key 4228′ retains the first lockout arm 6310″ in the jaw closure position while the staple cartridge 4200″′ remains seated in the frame 6010″ throughout the stapling procedure.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a proximal end of a staple cartridge 4700 that, for the most part, is identical to staple cartridge 4200 described above, except that an authentication key 4728 is folded into a cartridge pan 4720 that is attached to a cartridge body 4702 as shown. In this embodiment, the authentication key 4728 protrudes from a top flap 4725 of the cartridge pan 4720 that is folded over a portion of a cartridge deck 4704 which may serve to enhance the strength of the authentication key 4728. The authentication key 4728 comprises an angled actuation or cam surface 4729A and a latch surface 4729B. The authentication key 4728 is folded to extend below a plane defined by the cartridge deck 4704 and may be employed, for example, with surgical stapling device 6002″ in the above described manner or other surgical stapling devices with slightly shorter actuator cam arms.

FIGS. 48-51 illustrate another surgical stapling assembly 7000 that is similar in many aspects to surgical stapling assembly 6000 discussed above. The surgical stapling assembly 7000 comprises a surgical stapling device 7002 that may be employed in connection with the surgical instrument 1010 described above or in connection with a variety of other surgical instruments or robots described in various disclosures that have been incorporated by reference herein. As can be seen in FIG. 48, the surgical stapling device 7002 comprises a first jaw, or frame, 7010 that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 4200 therein. The first jaw or frame 7010 is attached to a spine of the shaft assembly in the various manners described herein. In the illustrated example, the first jaw or frame 7010 is attached to the spine of a shaft assembly (not shown in FIG. 48), by a shaft mount flange 7030 that is pinned by a pin 7032 or otherwise attached to a proximal end 7014 of the first jaw 7010. In particular, pin 7032 is configured to pass through aligned holes 7021 in upstanding sidewalls 7020 of the first jaw or frame 7010 as well as through hole 7031 in the shaft mount flange 7030. The shaft mount flange 7030 is configured to interface with an articulation joint arrangement (not shown) that is configured to facilitate articulation of the first jaw 7010 relative to the shaft assembly in various known configurations. The surgical stapling device 7002 may also be used in connection with shaft assemblies that do not facilitate articulation of the surgical stapling device 7002.

Still referring to FIG. 48, the surgical stapling device 7002 further comprises a firing member assembly 4040 that comprises a knife bar 4042 that is attached to a knife member or firing member 4050. Operation of the firing member 4050 and the knife bar 4042 were discussed in detail above. Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 7002 further comprises a second jaw or anvil 7100 that is movable relative to the first jaw or frame 7010. The anvil 7100 comprises an anvil body 7102 and an anvil mounting portion 7110. The anvil body 7102 comprises a staple forming undersurface or tissue contacting surface 7104 that has a series of staple forming pockets formed therein (not shown) that are arranged to form corresponding staples as they are driven into forming contact therewith. The anvil mounting portion 7110 comprises a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnion pins 7112 that are configured to be received in corresponding trunnion holes 7022 in the upstanding sidewalls 7020 of the first jaw or frame 7010. Unlike the anvil 6100 described above, the anvil 7100 is pivotally pinned to the frame 7010 for pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed pivot axis. Stated another way, unlike anvil 6100, anvil 7100 does not materially move axially or translate during the anvil closure process.

As discussed above, as well as in several of the disclosures which have been incorporated by reference herein, the anvil 7100 may be movable from an open position wherein a used or spent staple cartridge may either be removed from the first jaw or frame 7010 or an unfired staple cartridge may be operably seated therein to a closed position by an axially movable closure member or end effector closure tube 7600. For example, as the closure tube 7600 is moved distally from a proximal position, the closure tube 7600 may operably engage a cam surface 7113 on the anvil mounting portion 7110. Such interaction between the closure tube 7600 and the anvil mounting portion 7110 causes the anvil mounting portion 7110 and the trunnion pins 7112 to pivot until the closure member moves the anvil 7100 to a fully closed position. When in the fully closed position, the staple-forming pockets in the anvil 7100 are properly aligned with the staples in a corresponding compatible staple cartridge 4200 that has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 7010. When the axially movable closure tube 7600 is thereafter moved in a proximal direction, a tab 7602 on the closure tube 7600 interfaces with a tab 7114 on the anvil mounting portion 7110 to cause the anvil 7100 to pivot back to the open position.

Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 7002 comprises a first lockout 7300 that is configured to prevent the second jaw or anvil 7100 from being movable from the open position to the closed position by the closure member 7600. The first lockout 7300 may also be referred to herein as an “authentication” lockout. In the illustrated arrangement, the first lockout 7300 comprises a first lockout arm 7310 that is pivotally supported in the first jaw or frame 7010 by a lockout pin 7312 that is attached thereto. In one example, the first lockout arm 7310 is fabricated from stainless steel or the like and the lockout pin 7312 may be machined into the proximal end thereof. The lockout pin 7312 is pivotally seated in a pivot hole 7013 in the frame 7010 to facilitate pivotal travel of the first lockout arm 7310 in a locking direction LD between a jaw locking position and a jaw closure position. See FIG. 50. In the illustrated example, the first lockout arm 7310 is configured to blockingly engage a lock lug portion 7120 protruding downward from the anvil mounting portion 7110 when the first lockout arm 7310 is the jaw locking position. When the first lockout arm 7310 is in that locked or engaged position, pivotal travel of the anvil 7100 is prevented when the lock lug portion 7120 contacts the first lockout arm 7310. It will be appreciated that the first lockout arm 7310, as well as the lock lug portion 7120, are each sufficiently robust so as to resist substantial closure motions that applied to the anvil 7100 to prevent closure of the anvil 7100.

Referring now to FIG. 50, a first lockout spring 7330 is supported in a corresponding sidewall 7020 of the first jaw or frame 7010 to bias the first lockout arm 7310 in the locking direction LD to the locked or jaw locking position wherein the first lockout arm 7310 prevents the anvil 7100 from moving from the open position to the closed position. As can be seen in FIG. 50, the first lockout arm 7310 further comprises an upstanding actuator cam arm 7322 that is formed on a distal end 7320 of the first lockout arm 7310. The actuator cam arm 7322 comprises an actuator cam surface 7324 thereon. The first lockout arm 7310 further comprises a retention tab 7326 that is configured to be received within a corresponding opening or tab window 7024 provided in a frame sidewall 7020.

Turning again to FIG. 48, the stapling assembly 7000 further comprises a retainer 7400 that is configured to be removably coupled to the surgical staple cartridge 4200. In many aspects, the retainer 7400 is substantially similar to the retainer 4400 described above. In the illustrated arrangement, the retainer 7400 comprises a top portion 7402 that is coextensive with and configured to be received on the deck surface 4204 of the staple cartridge body 4202. When the retainer 7400 is attached to the cartridge body 4202, the retainer 7400 covers all of the staple pockets 4208 in the cartridge body 4202. In other versions only some or none of the staple pockets are covered. The retainer 7400 may be molded from a polymer material and include a plurality of retainer lugs 7410 that are configured to latchingly engage outwardly extending deck ledge portions 4205. The retainer 7400 may further comprise an angled nose portion 7420 and a distal latch tab 7422 that that is configured to latching engage the distal nose 4203 of the cartridge body 4202.

The retainer 7400 may be removably coupled to the surgical staple cartridge 4200 by engaging the distal latch tab 7422 with the end of the distal nose 4203 and aligning the retainer 7400 such that the underside of the top portion 7402 confronts the cartridge deck surface 4204 and the retainer lugs 7410 are located above the deck ledge portions 4205 on each side of the cartridge body 4202. Thereafter, the retainer 7400 may be pressed toward the staple cartridge 4200 causing the retainer lugs 7410 to flex laterally outward and snap into latching engagement with the corresponding deck ledge portions 4205. Other retainer latching arrangements disclosed herein may also be employed to removably affix the retainer 7400 to the staple cartridge 4200. The retainer 7400 may be removed from the staple cartridge 4200 by applying a prying motion to the distal latch tab 7422 and lifting upward until the retainer lugs 7410 disengage the deck ledge portions 4205. In the illustrated example, the term “LIFT” is molded or embossed into the nose portion 7420 to provide removal instructions to the user.

Referring now to FIGS. 53-56, the retainer 7400 further comprises an authentication key 7430 that is configured to defeat the first lockout 7300 when the retainer 7400 is attached to the surgical staple cartridge 4200 and the surgical staple cartridge 4200 has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 7010. As can be seen in FIG. 53, the authentication key 7430 protrudes proximally from a proximal end 7401 of the top portion 7402 of the retainer 7400 and comprises a right ramp feature 7440 and a left ramp feature 7450 that are separated by a space 7460 that is sized to receive the firing member body 4052 therebetween. In the illustrated example, the right ramp 7440 angles downward from the top portion 7402 of the retainer 7400 and comprises a proximal right tip 7442 that comprises a first right or proximal right cam surface 7444 that angles inward at the tip. A second right or distal right cam surface 7446 is located below the first right cam surface 7444. These dual sequential cam surfaces 7444, 7446 are configured to interface with the actuator cam surface 7324 on the actuator cam arm 7322 to move the first lockout arm 7310 from the jaw locking position to a “jaw closure position” in the various manners described above. Similarly, the left ramp 7450 angles downward from the top portion 7402 of the retainer 7400 and comprises a proximal left tip 7452 that comprises a first left or proximal left cam surface 7454 that angles inward at the tip. A second left or distal left cam surface 7456 is located below the first right cam surface 7444. These dual sequential cam surfaces 7454, 7456 are configured to interface with the actuator cam surface 7324 on the actuator cam arm 7322 of a first lockout arm 7310 that is mounted on the left or opposite side of a frame axis FA. The retainer 7400 additionally comprises a retainer keel 7470 that protrudes from the bottom surface of the top portion 7402 and is oriented to be received within the longitudinal slot 4206 in the surgical staple cartridge 4200. Retainer keel 7470 may serve to properly orient the retainer 7400 on the surgical staple cartridge 4200 so that the right and left ramps 7440 and 7450 extend on each side of the firing member 4050. The retainer keel 7470 may also be sized relative to the longitudinal slot 4206 to create a frictional retaining engagement therewith when the retainer 7400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200 and also retain the sled 4230 in the unfired position with the staple cartridge 4200.

In use, the retainer 7400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200 in the various manners disclosed herein to form a cartridge assembly 7500. The cartridge assembly 7500 may then be inserted into the first jaw or frame 7010 so as to bring the right ramp 7440 of the authentication key 7430 into engagement with the actuator cam surface 7324 on the actuator cam arm 7322. During the initial proximal insertion of the cartridge assembly 7500, the first right cam surface 7444 biases the actuator cam arm 7322 laterally outward to an intermediate position. Further longitudinal advancement of the cartridge assembly 7500 into the first jaw or frame 7010 in a proximal direction causes the first cam surface 7444 to disengage the actuator cam surface 7324 and the second right cam surface 7446 to engage the actuator cam surface 7324 to move the first lockout arm 7310 from the intermediate position into the fully disengaged or jaw closure position. When the first lockout arm 7310 is in the unlocked or jaw closure position, the retention tab 7326 is received within the tab window 7024 in the frame sidewall 7020 and is retained therein by the staple cartridge 4200. When in that position, the first lockout 7300 is in the unlocked or jaw closure position or stated another way is “defeated”, unlocked or unlatched. The user may then remove the retainer 7400 from the surgical staple cartridge 4200 by prying the up the distal latch tab 7422 and lifting the retainer 7400 upward until the retainer lugs 7410 disengage the deck ledge portions 4205. The anvil 7100 is now movable between the open and closed position and the surgical staple cartridge 4200 is otherwise capable of being fired. In at least one version, the surgical stapling device 7002 may include a second lockout 4600 that is configured to prevent the firing member 4050 from distally advancing through the staple firing stroke when a spent staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw or frame 7010 in the various manners discussed above. After the staple cartridge 4200 has been fired, the firing member 4050 is retracted back to the starting position and the second jaw or anvil 7100 is pivoted back to the open position. The spent staple cartridge may then be removed from the first jaw or frame 7010. Once the spent staple cartridge 4200 has been removed from the first jaw or frame 7010, the first lockout spring biases the first lockout arm 7310 back to an engaged or jaw locking position wherein second jaw or anvil is prevented from moving from the open to closed position.

As can be seen in FIG. 52, the surgical stapling device 7002 employs a first lockout 7300 that is positioned within the first jaw or frame 7010 on a first side 7005 of a frame axis FA that lies on a common plane with the cartridge axis CA when a staple cartridge is operably seated in the frame 7010. FIG. 56 illustrates a second surgical stapling device 7002′ that is identical to surgical stapling device 7002, except that the first lockout 7300′ is positioned within the first jaw or frame 7010′ on a second or opposite side 7007 of the center frame axis FA. In such instances, the left ramp 7450 of the authentication key 7430 serves to move the first lockout arm 7310′ from the engaged or locked position to the disengaged or unlocked position when the cartridge assembly 7500′ is seated into the first jaw of frame 7010′ of the surgical stapling device 7002′. A 45 mm surgical stapling device may have the first lockout on a right side of the cartridge axis and a 60 mm surgical stapler may have the first lockout on a left side of the cartridge axis and visa versa. Or a certain specialty stapling device such as a vascular stapler or a thoracic staple may have the lockout on a different side than a multipurpose stapler.

Referring to FIG. 57, an example of a surgical stapling assembly 8000 is shown. The surgical stapling assembly 8000 may be employed in connection with the surgical instrument 1010 described above or in connection with a variety of other surgical instruments or robots described in various disclosures that have been incorporated by reference herein. The surgical stapling assembly 8000 may be employed in connection with electrically controlled, battery powered manually powered and/or robotic controlled surgical instruments in the various forms disclosed in the aforementioned incorporated disclosures. As can be seen in FIG. 57, the surgical stapling assembly 8000 comprises a surgical stapling device generally designated as 8002 that comprises first jaw or frame 8010 that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 4200 therein. The first jaw 8010 is attached to a spine of the shaft assembly of the surgical instrument or robot in the various manners described herein. In the illustrated example, the first jaw 8010 is attached to the spine portion of the shaft assembly (not shown in FIG. 57), by a shaft mount flange 8030 that is pinned by a pin or otherwise attached to a proximal end 8014 of the first jaw 8010. Other methods of attaching and operably interfacing the surgical device 8002 with a shaft of a surgical instrument may also be employed. For example, the stapling device 8002 may be attached to the shaft assembly such that the stapling device (sometimes also referred to as an “end effector”) is not capable of articulating relative to the shaft assembly.

Still referring to FIG. 57, the surgical stapling assembly 8000 further comprises a firing member assembly 5040 that comprises a knife bar 5042 that is attached to a knife member 5050 or “firing member”. The knife bar 5042 also interfaces with corresponding components and firing systems in the surgical instrument or robot to receive firing motions which can distally advance the knife bar 5042 and firing member 5050 through a staple firing stroke from a starting position to an ending position and also retract the knife bar 5042 and firing member 5050 proximally to return the firing member 5050 to the starting position. In the illustrated arrangement, the firing member 5050 comprises a firing member body 5052 that supports a cutting edge or knife edge 5053. The firing member 5050 further comprises a foot 5054 that is formed on the bottom of the firing member body 5052 and extends laterally from each side thereof. The firing member 5050 further comprises a pair of top pins or tabs 5056 that extend laterally from the firing member body 5052 that are adapted to engage ledges on an anvil as will be discussed further herein. Additionally, the firing member 5050 comprises a pair of central pins or tabs 5058 that protrude laterally from each side of the firing member body 5052. In some of the disclosures incorporated by reference herein, the firing member 5050 may also be referred to as an “E-Beam” firing member or cutting member.

Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 8002 further comprises a second jaw or anvil 8100 that is movable relative to the first jaw or frame 8010. The anvil 8100 comprises an anvil body 8102 and an anvil mounting portion 8110. The anvil body 8102 comprises a staple forming undersurface or tissue contacting surface 8104 that has a series of staple forming pockets (not shown) formed therein that are arranged to form corresponding staples as they are driven into forming contact therewith. The anvil mounting portion 8110 comprises a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnion pins 8112 that are configured to be received in corresponding trunnion holes 8022 in the upstanding sidewalls 8020 of the first jaw or frame 8010. Unlike the anvil 4100 described above, the anvil 8100 is pivotally pinned to the frame 8010 for pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed pivot axis. Stated another way, unlike anvil 4100, anvil 8100 does not materially move axially or translate during the anvil closure process.

As discussed above, as well as in several of the disclosures which have been incorporated by reference herein, the anvil 8100 may be movable from an open position wherein a used or spent staple cartridge may either be removed from the first jaw or frame 8010 or an unfired staple cartridge may be operably seated therein to a closed position by an axially movable closure member or end effector closure tube (not shown). For example, as the closure member is moved distally from a proximal position, the closure tube may operably engage a cam surface on the anvil mounting portion 8110. Such interaction between the closure member and the anvil mounting portion 8110 causes the anvil mounting portion 8110 and the trunnion pins 8112 to pivot until the closure member moves the anvil 8100 to a fully closed position. When in the fully closed position, the staple-forming pockets in the anvil 8100 are properly aligned with the staples in a corresponding compatible surgical staple cartridge that has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 8010. When the axially movable closure member is thereafter moved in a proximal direction, the closure member causes the anvil 8100 to pivot back to the open position.

Further to the above, the surgical stapling assembly 8000 further comprises a first lockout 8300 that is configured to prevent the firing member 5050 from moving distally from its proximal-most starting position when an authorized or compatible staple cartridge is not operably seated in the first jaw or frame 8010. The first lockout 8300 may also be referred to herein as an “authentication” lockout. In the illustrated arrangement, the first lockout 8300 comprises a single, bi-lateral first spring 8310 that is supported in the proximal end 8014 of the frame 8010 and attached to the shaft mount flange 8030. In one arrangement for example, the first spring 8310 comprises a first lockout arm 8312 that is located on one side of the cartridge axis CA and a second lockout arm 8314 that is located on an opposite side of the cartridge axis CA from the first lockout arm 8312. The first and second lockout arms 8312, 8314 are attached to a central body portion 8316. See FIG. 58. The spring 8310 is mounted in the first jaw or frame 8010 and affixed to the shaft mount flange 8030 by a pin 8034 that extends through holes 8036 in the shaft mount flange 8030 and through holes 8318 in the first lockout arm 8312 and the second lockout arm 8314. The first lockout arm 8312 and the second lockout arm 8314 each further comprise a lockout window or opening 8320 therein that are each adapted to receive therein the corresponding central pin 5058 protruding from the first and second sides of the firing member 5050 when the firing member 5050 is in its proximal-most or starting position. See FIGS. 59 and 61.

FIGS. 59-61 illustrate the first lockout 8300 in the locked position wherein the central pins 5058 are received within the lockout windows 8320 in the first and second lockout arms 8312, 8314. In some arrangements, those staple cartridges that are compatible with the surgical stapling device 8002 or, stated another way, those staple cartridges that have the proper number, size and arrangement of staples, may have one or more unlocking keys directly formed on the cartridge body and/or cartridge pan that are configured to defeat the first lockout when the compatible cartridge is operably seated in the first jaw or frame. Various cartridges that have unlocking keys protruding therefrom are disclosed in various disclosures which have been herein incorporated by reference. In other instances, however, the clinician may wish to use staple cartridges that are otherwise compatible with the surgical stapling assembly, but otherwise lack the unlocking keys. In such instances, the clinician would be unable to otherwise use those compatible staple cartridges in the surgical stapling device. The surgical stapling assembly 8000 includes features designed to facilitate use of such compatible staple cartridges that otherwise lack unlocking key features.

Turning now to FIGS. 51 and 55, the stapling assembly 8000 further comprises a retainer 4400 that is configured to be removably coupled to the staple cartridge 4200. Specific details concerning the retainer 4400 were discussed above and will not be repeated here. As indicated above, the retainer 4400 further comprises an authentication key 4430 that is configured to defeat the first lockout 4300 when the retainer 4400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200 and the staple cartridge 4200 has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 8010. As can be seen in FIG. 11, the authentication key 4430 protrudes proximally from a proximal end 4401 of the top portion 4402 of the retainer 4400 and comprises a right ramp feature 4440 and a left ramp feature 4450 that are separated by a space 4460 that is sized to receive the firing member body 4052 therebetween. In the illustrated example, the right ramp 4440 angles downward from the top portion 4402 of the retainer 4400 and comprises a proximal right tip 4442. The proximal right tip 4442 defines a first right cam surface 4444 that angles inward at the tip and extends distally to a second right cam surface 4446. The second right cam surface 4446 extends from the first right cam surface 4444 to the top portion 4402. See FIG. 12. Similarly, the left ramp 4450 angles downward from the top portion 4402 of the retainer 4400 and comprises a proximal left tip 4452. The proximal left tip 4452 angles inward at the tip and extends distally to a second left cam surface 4456. The second left cam surface extends from the first left cam surface 4454 to the top portion 4402.

Referring now to FIGS. 61 and 62, in use the retainer 4400 is removably attached to the staple cartridge 4200 to form a cartridge assembly 4500. The cartridge assembly 4500 is then inserted into the first jaw or frame 8010 so as to bring the right tip 4442 of the authentication key into contact with an upstanding unlocking tab 8322 on the first lockout arm 8312 and the left tip 4452 into contact with an upstanding unlocking tab 8324 on the second lockout arm 8314. During the initial proximal insertion of the cartridge assembly 4500, the first right cam surface 4444 biases the first lockout arm 8312 laterally outward (arrow RL in FIG. 62) and the first left cam surface 4454 biases the second lockout arm 8314 laterally outward (arrow LL). Further longitudinal advancement of the cartridge assembly 4500 into the first jaw or frame 8010 in a proximal direction causes the first lockout arm 8312 to attain a first intermediate position wherein the first lockout arm 8312 disengages the corresponding central pin 5058 on the firing member 5050 and also causes the second lockout arm 8314 to attain a second intermediate position wherein the second lockout arm 8314 disengages the corresponding central pin 5058 on the firing member 5050. Continued longitudinal insertion of the cartridge assembly 4500 into the first jaw or frame 8010 in a proximal direction causes the second right cam surface 4446 to further bias the first lockout arm 8312 laterally outward and the second left cam surface 4456 to further bias the second lockout arm 8314 laterally outward until the cartridge assembly 4500 is completely operably seated in the first jaw or frame 8010. See FIG. 63.

When the cartridge assembly 4500 has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 5010, a distal first retention tab 8326 on the first lockout arm 8312 engages a corresponding side of the staple cartridge 4200 to retain the first lockout arm 8312 in that unlocked position. As can be seen in FIG. 62, a clearance pocket 8021R is provided in the sidewall 8020 to accommodate the first retention tab 8326 in that position. Likewise a distal second retention tab 8328 formed on the second lockout arm 8314 engages another corresponding side of the staple cartridge 4200 to retain the second lockout arm 8314 in that unlocked position. A clearance pocket 8021L is provided in the sidewall 8020 to accommodate the second retention tab 8328 in that position. When in that position, the first lockout 8300 is in the unlocked position or, stated another way, is “defeated”. The user may then remove the retainer 4400 from the staple cartridge 4200 in the above-described manner. With the first lockout 8300 defeated or unlocked, the firing member 5050 may be distally advanced from the starting position and is in a “ready state”.

After the staple cartridge 4200 has been fired, the firing member 5050 is retracted back to the starting position and the second jaw or anvil 8100 is pivoted back to the open position. The spent staple cartridge may then be removed from the first jaw or frame 8010. Once the spent staple cartridge 4200 has been removed from the first jaw or frame 8010, the first and second lockout arms 8312, 8314 spring back into engagement with the corresponding central pins 5058 on the firing member 5050 to once again retain the firing member 5050 in the starting position. Also, in at least one version, the surgical stapling device 8002 also includes a second lockout 5600 that is configured to prevent the firing member 5050 from distally advancing through the staple firing stroke when a spent staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw or frame 8010. Details concerning the operation of the second lockout were provided above and will not be repeated here.

Further to the above, at least one form of the retainer 4400 may be attached to various staple cartridges that are adapted to be used with (compatible with) different forms of surgical stapling devices. Stated another way, the retainer 4400 may be used on staple cartridges that can be seated in different stapling devices to defeat the various lockout mechanisms of those stapling devices. Staple cartridge 8200 may similarly be used with different stapling devices that have different forms of lockouts. For example, FIG. 64 illustrates a surgical stapling system generally designated as 8600 which comprises a first stapling device 4002 and at least a second stapling device 8002. The retainer 4400 may be coupled to surgical staple cartridges 4200 to form a cartridge assembly 4500 that is compatible with one of both of the surgical stapling devices 4002, 8002. When the retainer 4400 is attached to a compatible staple cartridge 4200 to form an assembled cartridge arrangement 4500, the assembled cartridge arrangement may be used in either of the devices 4002, 8002. Likewise, the staple cartridge 4200 may also be used in either of the stapling devices 4002, 8002. Surgical stapling device 4002 employs a translating anvil 4100; stapling device 8002 employs a pivoting anvil 8100. These devices offer very different amounts of space for the authentication key arrangements to operate due to the different amounts of space required for the anvils of each device to move between the open and closed positions. Thus, in various applications, the authentication ramp features may need to be rather narrow and employ staged and vertically displaced camming surfaces in order to actuate the lockout configurations of both types of stapling devices.

In connection with another general aspect, the various authentication keys and authentication ramps disclosed herein may be mixed and matched with retainer body configurations disclosed herein such that one retainer/authentication key/ramp configuration may be employed with staple cartridges that can be used in a plurality of stapling devices disclosed herein. Such retainer authentication key/ramp configurations may be used to defeat a plurality of the lockout systems in those various stapling devices. Stated another way, one retainer/authentication key/authentication ramp configuration may be employed to unlock the jaw blocking lockouts and/or the firing member lockouts on several of the stapling devices disclosed herein.

As discussed herein, the authentication key arrangement may be provided on a detachable retainer, on the cartridge pan, on the cartridge body, on the sled or on another ancillary attached part. These authentication keys may be fashioned such that they could defeat the various first lockout systems of those surgical stapling devices disclosed herein that employ a translating jaw arrangement as well as the first lockout systems of those surgical stapling devices that employ a jaw arrangement that is pivotable about a fixed pivot axis. The design of such “universal” authentication keys may be limited and dictated by the amount of available space in such devices when the movable jaw or anvil is in the closed position (for those keys designed to be resident in the device throughout the stapling firing operation) as well as in the open position.

When designing authentication key configurations that may be employed to defeat lockouts in surgical stapling devices that employ a translating jaw as well lockouts in surgical stapling devices that employ a movable jaw that pivots about a fixed axis, the amount of available space that is available in each surgical stapling device will necessarily dictate a particular shape of a “universal” authentication key. Because the jaw shapes and travel paths are different in these types of surgical stapling devices, the amount of available space for the authentication keys when the jaws are open and closed differ.

FIGS. 64A-C illustrate an example of an amount of space that is available to accommodate an authentication key 4228A of a staple cartridge 4200A, wherein the authentication key feature 4228A formed on a bottom portion of the cartridge pan 4220A and when the staple cartridge 4200A is seated in, for example, a surgical stapling device 4002 that has a translating anvil 4100 that is in the closed position. As can be seen in those Figures, a “closed” space envelop 4800 has a vertical leg 4800V and a horizontal leg 4800H, wherein when used in connection with one surgical stapling device: a is approximately 0.16 inches, b is approximately 0.14 inches, c is approximately 0.047 inches, d is approximately 0.025 inches, e is approximately 0.04 inches, f is approximately 0.035 inches, and g is approximately 0.05 inches, for example. FIGS. 64D-64G illustrate an “open” space envelope 4802 for the staple cartridge 4200A when the jaws of the surgical stapling device are open, wherein: h is approximately 0.14 inches, i is approximately 0.26 inches, j is approximately 0.17 inches, k is approximately 0.04 inches, L is approximately 0.0.07 inches, and M is approximately 0.03 inches, for example.

FIGS. 64H-J illustrate an example of an amount of space that is available to accommodate an authentication key 4228B of another staple cartridge 4200B, wherein the authentication key feature 4228B formed on a bottom portion of the cartridge pan 4220B and when the staple cartridge 4200B is seated in, for example, a surgical stapling device 4002 that has a translating anvil 4100 that is in the closed position. As can be seen in those Figures, a “closed” space envelop 4804 has a vertical leg 4804V and a horizontal leg 4804H, wherein when used in connection with one surgical stapling device: n is approximately 0.16 inches, o is approximately 0.16 inches, p is approximately 0.14 inches, q is approximately 0.025 inches, r is approximately 0.04 inches, s is approximately 0.095 inches, t is approximately 0.05 inches, for example.

FIGS. 64K-M illustrate an example of an amount of space that is available to accommodate an authentication key 4228C of a staple cartridge 4200C, wherein the authentication key feature 4228C formed on a bottom portion of the cartridge pan 4220C and when the staple cartridge 4200C is seated in, for example, a surgical stapling device 4002 that has a translating anvil 4100 that is in the closed position. As can be seen in those Figures, a “closed” space envelop 4806 has a vertical leg 4806V and a horizontal leg 4806H, wherein when used in connection with one surgical stapling device: u is approximately 0.16 inches, v is approximately 0.15 inches, w is approximately 0.037 inches, x is approximately 0.025 inches, y is approximately 0.04 inches, z is approximately 0.095 inches, and aa is approximately 0.06 inches, for example. FIGS. 64N-Q illustrate an “open” space envelope 4808 for the staple cartridge 4200C when the jaws of the surgical stapling device are open, wherein: bb is approximately 0.26 inches, cc is approximately 0.23 inches, dd is approximately 0.12 inches, ee is approximately 0.12 inches, ff is approximately 0.08 inches, and gg is approximately 0.04 inches, for example.

FIGS. 64R-T illustrate an example of an amount of space that is available to accommodate an authentication key 4228D of a staple cartridge 4200D, wherein the authentication key feature 4228D formed on a bottom portion of the cartridge pan 4220D and when the staple cartridge 4200D is seated in, for example, a surgical stapling device 8002 that has an anvil 8100 that movable between an open and closed position about a fixed pivot axis. As can be seen in those Figures, a “closed” space envelop 4810 has a vertical leg 4810V and a horizontal leg 4810H, wherein when used in connection with one surgical stapling device: hh is approximately 0.16 inches, ii is approximately 0.20 inches, jj is approximately 0.047 inches, kk is approximately 0.025 inches, ll is approximately 0.05 inches, mm is approximately 0.025 inches, and nn is approximately 0.09 inches, for example. FIGS. 64U-64X illustrate an “open” space envelope 4812 for the staple cartridge 4200D when the jaws of the surgical stapling device are open, wherein: oo is approximately 0.09 inches, pp is approximately 0.08 inches, qq is approximately 0.05 inches, rr is approximately 0.06 inches, ss is approximately 0.10 inches, and tt is approximately 0.03 inches, and uu is approximately 0.09 inches, for example.

FIGS. 64Y-64ZZ illustrate an example of an amount of space that is available to accommodate an authentication key 4228E of a staple cartridge 4200E, wherein the authentication key feature 4228E formed on a bottom portion of the cartridge pan 4220E and when the staple cartridge 4200E is seated in, for example, a surgical stapling device 8002 that has an anvil 8100 that movable between an open and closed position about a fixed pivot axis. As can be seen in those Figures, a “closed” space envelop 4814 has a vertical leg 4814V and a horizontal leg 4814H, wherein when used in connection with one surgical stapling device: vv is approximately 0.16 inches, ww is approximately 0.20 inches, xx is approximately 0.047 inches, yy is approximately 0.025 inches, zz is approximately 0.05 inches, aaa is approximately 0.085 inches, and bbb is approximately 0.09 inches, for example.

FIGS. 65-71 illustrate another surgical stapling assembly 9000 that is similar in many aspects to surgical stapling assembly 7000 discussed above. The surgical stapling assembly 9000 comprises a surgical stapling device 9002 that may be employed in connection with the surgical instrument 1010 described above or in connection with a variety of other surgical instruments and robots described in various disclosures that have been incorporated by reference herein. As can be seen in FIG. 65, the surgical stapling device 9002 comprises a first jaw or frame 9010 that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 9200 therein. The first jaw or frame 9010 is attached to a spine of the shaft assembly in the various manners described herein. In the illustrated example, the first jaw or frame 9010 is attached to the spine of a shaft assembly (not shown in FIG. 65), by a shaft mount flange 9030. The surgical stapling device 9002 may also be used in connection with shaft assemblies that do not facilitate articulation of the surgical stapling device 9002.

Still referring to FIG. 65, the surgical stapling device 9002 further comprises a firing member assembly 4040 that comprises a knife bar (not shown) that is attached to a knife member 4050 or “firing member”. Operation of the firing member 4050 and the knife bar were discussed in detail above and will not be repeated here. The surgical stapling device 9002 further comprises a second jaw or anvil 9100 that is movable relative to the first jaw or frame 9010. The anvil 9100 comprises an anvil body 9102 and an anvil mounting portion 9110. The anvil body 9102 comprises a staple forming undersurface or tissue contacting surface 9104 that has a series of staple forming pockets (not shown) formed therein that are arranged to form corresponding staples as they are driven into forming contact therewith. The anvil mounting portion 9110 comprises a pair of laterally extending anvil pins or trunnion pins 9112 that are configured to be received in corresponding trunnion holes 9022 in the upstanding sidewalls 9020 of the first jaw or frame 9010. Unlike the anvil 6100 described above, the anvil 9100 is pivotally pinned to the frame 9010 for pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed pivot axis. Stated another way, unlike anvil 6100, anvil 9100 does not materially move axially or translate during the anvil closure process.

As discussed above, as well as in several of the disclosures which have been incorporated by reference herein, the anvil 9100 may be movable from an open position wherein a used or spent staple cartridge may either be removed from the first jaw or frame 9010 or an unfired staple cartridge may be operably seated therein to a closed position by an axially movable closure member or end effector closure tube 9600 (FIG. 69). For example, as the closure tube 9600 is moved distally from a proximal position, the closure tube 9600 may operably engage a cam surface 9113 on the anvil mounting portion 9110. Such interaction between the closure tube 9600 and the anvil mounting portion 9110 causes the anvil mounting portion 9110 and the anvil trunnion pins 9112 to pivot until the closure member moves the anvil 9100 to a fully closed position. When in the fully closed position, the staple-forming pockets in the anvil 9100 are properly aligned with the staples in a corresponding compatible staple cartridge 9200 that has been operably seated in the first jaw or frame 9010. When the axially movable closure tube 9600 is thereafter moved in a proximal direction, features on the closure tube 9600 interface with the anvil mounting portion 9110 to cause the anvil 9100 to pivot back to the open position.

Further to the above, the surgical stapling device 9002 comprises a first lockout 9300 that is configured to prevent the second jaw or anvil 9100 from being movable from the open position to the closed position by the closure tube 9600. The first lockout 9300 may also be referred to herein as an “authentication” lockout. In the illustrated arrangement, the first lockout 9300 comprises a first lockout arm 9310 that is pivotally supported in the first jaw or frame 9010 by a lockout pin 9312 that is attached thereto. See FIG. 66. In one example, the first lockout arm 9310 is fabricated from stainless steel or the like and the lockout pin 9312 may be machined into the proximal end thereof. The lockout pin 9312 is pivotally seated in a pivot hole 9013 in the frame 9010 to facilitate pivotal travel of the first lockout arm 9310 between a jaw locking position and a jaw closure position. See FIG. 68. In the illustrated example, the first lockout arm 9310 is configured to blockingly engage a lock lug portion 9120 protruding downward from the anvil mounting portion 9110 when the first lockout arm 9310 is the locked or jaw locking position. See FIG. 69. When the first lockout arm 9310 is in that locked or engaged position, pivotal travel of the anvil 9100 is prevented when the lock lug portion 9120 contacts the first lockout arm 9310. It will be appreciated that the first lockout arm 9310, as well as the lock lug portion 9120, are each sufficiently robust so as to resist substantial closure motions that applied to the anvil 9100 to prevent closure of the anvil 9100.

Referring now to FIG. 66, a first lockout spring 9330 is supported in a corresponding sidewall 9020 of the first jaw or frame 9010 to apply a lateral biasing force to the first lockout arm 9310 to bias the first lockout arm 9310 in the locked direction LD (FIG. 68) to the locked or jaw locking position wherein the first lockout arm 9310 prevents the anvil 9100 from moving from the open position to the closed position. As can be seen in FIG. 66, the first lockout arm 9310 further comprises an upstanding cam actuator tab 9322 that is formed on a distal end 9320 of the first lockout arm 9310. As can be seen in FIG. 71, the cam actuator tab 9322 comprises an upper actuator cam surface 9324. In addition, a lower actuator cam member 9326 is formed on the distal end 9320 of the first lockout arm 9310.

In at least one example, the stapling assembly 9000 comprises a staple cartridge 9200 that is identical to staple cartridge 4200 described above except that an authentication key 9430 is formed into a cartridge pan 9220. See FIG. 72. The authentication key 9430 is configured to defeat, unlock or unlatch the first lockout 9300 when the staple cartridge 9200 is operably seated in the frame 9010. As can be seen in FIG. 72, the authentication key 9430 protrudes proximally from a proximal end 9221 of the cartridge pan 9220 and comprises an upper ramp feature 9440 and a lower ramp feature 9450 that is vertically displaced from the upper ramp feature 9440. The authentication key 9430 is bent in a generally right angle from a portion 9223 of the cartridge pan 9220 that extends across a portion of a distal end of the cartridge body 9202. The upper ramp feature 9440 comprises an upper ramp tab 9441 that is bent into the authentication key 9430 and the lower ramp feature 9450 comprises a lower ramp tab 9451 that is bent into the authentication key 9430. As can be seen in FIG. 72, both the upper ramp feature 9440 and the lower ramp feature 9450 are located on a same side of a cartridge axis CA that is defined by the cartridge body 9202. The upper ramp feature 9440 is formed so that is its also proximal to the lower ramp feature 9450. As indicated above, the upper and lower ramp features 9440, 9450 are bent out of the cartridge pan 9220. Stated another way, the upper and lower ramp features 9440, 9450 are integrally formed in the cartridge pan 9220. In the illustrated example, the upper ramp feature 9440 comprises a first upper cam surface 9442 and a second upper cam surface 9444. The first upper cam surface 9442 is proximal to the second upper cam surface and is also angled relative to the second upper cam surface 9444. The lower ramp feature 9450 comprises a first lower cam surface 9452 and a second lower cam surface 9454. The first lower cam surface 9452 is proximal to the second lower cam surface 9454 and is also angled relative to the first lower cam surface 9452.

FIGS. 73-77 illustrate the interaction between the upper and lower ramp features 9440, 9450 of the authentication key 9430 and the upper actuator cam surface 9324 on the cam actuator tab 9322 and the lower actuator cam member 9326. FIG. 73 illustrates the position of the authentication key 9430 relative to the cam actuator tab 9322 when the staple cartridge 9200 is initially longitudinally inserted (direction PD) into the frame 9010. As can be seen in FIG. 73, the first upper cam surface 9442 of the upper ramp feature 9440 is in camming engagement with the upper actuator cam surface 9324 on the cam actuator tab 9322 and begins to bias the cam actuator tab 9322, as well as the first lockout arm 9310 laterally. As can be further seen in FIG. 73, a lockout pocket 9021 is provided in the adjacent upstanding side wall 9020 of the frame 9010 to accommodate the cam actuator tab 9322 as the first lockout arm 9310 is moved from the locked or jaw locking position to the unlocked or jaw closure position.

FIG. 74 illustrates the continued longitudinal insertion of the staple cartridge 9200 into the frame 9010 in a proximal direction. As can be seen in FIG. 74, the staple cartridge 9200 has been inserted to a point wherein the first upper cam surface 9442 has proceeded past the upper actuator cam surface 9324 allowing a tip 9325 of the cam actuator tab 9322 to engage the second upper cam surface 9444 on the upper ramp feature 9440 of the authentication key 9430. Such sequential interaction continues to move the cam actuator tab 9322 and the first lockout arm 9310 laterally to an intermediate position between the locked or jaw locking position and the unlocked or jaw closure position.

FIG. 75 illustrates a position of the staple cartridge 9200 as it continues to be longitudinally inserted into the frame 9010 in the proximal direction PD. As can be seen in FIG. 75, the tip 9325 of the cam actuator tab 9322 remains in engagement with the second upper cam surface 9444 on the upper ramp feature 9440 and the lower actuator cam member 9326 has now engaged the first lower cam surface 9452 on the lower ramp feature 9450. This sequential interaction continues to move the cam actuator tab 9322 as well as the first lockout arm 9310 laterally.

FIG. 76 illustrates the position of the actuator tab 9322 after the staple cartridge 9200 has been operably (fully) seated in the frame 9010. As can be seen in FIG. 76, the lower actuator cam member 9326 remains engaged with the second lower cam surface 9454 on the lower ramp feature 9450 and has moved the cam actuator tab 9322 laterally to be seated in the lockout pocket 9021 in the upstanding side wall 9020 of the frame 9010. When the first lockout arm 9310 is in that unlocked or jaw closure position shown in FIG. 76, the anvil 9100 may be pivoted from the open position to the closed position without being blocked by the first lockout arm 9310. When the first lockout arm 9310 is in the locked or jaw locking position, the lower actuator cam member 9326 is located in front of the firing member body 4052 so that the jaw unlocking procedure cannot be commenced by distally advancing the firing member. The lower actuator cam member 9326 is positioned above the central pins 4058 of the firing member 4050 to provide adequate clearance therebetween during the unlocking procedure. FIGS. 77 and 78 illustrate position of the first lockout arm 6310 relative to a portion of the anvil 9100 after the anvil 9100 has been pivoted to the closed position.

The surgical stapling device 9002 may further comprise a second lockout similar to second lockout 4600 for preventing the firing member 4050 from advancing through the firing stroke when a spent staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw of frame 9010. The second lockout 4600 was described in detail above and will not be repeated here.

FIG. 78A illustrates an alternative cartridge assembly 9500 that may be used in connection with the surgical stapling device 9002 in the above-described manner. In the illustrated example, the cartridge assembly 9500 comprises a staple cartridge 9200′ that has a retainer a 6400″ attached thereto. Retainer 6400″ is similar to retainer 6400 described above, except for the shape and configuration of the authentication key 6430″ and ramp 6440″. The retainer 6400″ may in many aspects be identical to retainer 6400 discussed above.

Still referring to FIG. 78A, the cartridge assembly 9500 comprises a staple cartridge 9200′ that is similar to staple cartridge 4200 described above except that a second authentication ramp 9450′ is formed into a cartridge pan 9220′ that is attached to the cartridge body 9202′. When the retainer 6400″ is attached to the staple cartridge 9200′ as shown, the ramp 6440″ comprises a “first” ramp that comprises a first upper cam surface 6442″ and a second upper cam surface 6444″. The first upper cam surface 6442″ is proximal to the second upper cam surface 6444″ and is also angled relative to the second upper cam surface 6444″. The second authentication ramp 9450′ which is located on the cartridge pan 9220′ comprises a first lower cam surface 9452′ and a second lower cam surface 9454′. The second ramp 9450′ is positioned below the first ramp 6440″ on the retainer 6400″ and is positioned distal to the first upper cam surface 6442″. When the cartridge assembly 9500 is operably seated into the frame 9010 of the surgical stapling device 9002, the combination of the first ramp 6440″ on the retainer 6400″ and the second ramp 9450″ on the cartridge pan 9220′ operates in the same manner as the upper ramp feature 9440 and the second ramp feature 9450 on cartridge 9200 to sequentially defeat, unlock or unlatch the first lockout 9300 in the manner described in detail above. Once the first lockout arm 9310 has been moved to the unlocked or “jaw closure position”, the second ramp 9450′ retains the first lockout arm 9310 in that position. The user may then remove the retainer 6400″ from the staple cartridge 9200′ and the anvil 9100 may be pivoted from the open position to the closed position.

FIGS. 78B-78C illustrate an alternative staple cartridge 9200″ that is similar to staple cartridge 9200 described above except that a first authentication key 9430″ is formed or molded into the cartridge body 9202″. The first authentication key 9430″ comprises a first ramp 9440″ that has a first upper cam surface 9442″ and a second upper cam surface 9444″ formed thereon. The first upper cam surface 9442″ is proximal to the second upper cam surface 9444″ and is also angled relative to the second upper cam surface 9444″. The second authentication ramp 9450″ which comprises a portion of the cartridge pan 9220″ comprises a first lower cam surface 9452″ and a second lower cam surface 9454″. The second authentication ramp 9450″ is located below the first ramp 9440″ and is positioned distal to the first upper cam surface 9442″. When the cartridge assembly 9200″ is operably seated into the frame 9010 of the surgical stapling device 9002, the combination of the first ramp 9440″ and the second ramp 9450″ operate in the same manner as the upper ramp feature 9440 and the lower ramp features 9450 on cartridge 9200 to defeat the first lockout 9300 in the manner described in detail above.

FIGS. 79-81 depict one form of a retainer 10400 that is configured to be removably coupled to a staple cartridge 4200 of the type, for example, depicted in FIG. 6. In various embodiments, the retainer 10400 comprises a top portion 10402 that is coextensive with and configured to be received on the deck surface 4204 of the staple cartridge 4200 such that when the retainer 10400 is attached to the cartridge body 4202, the retainer 10400 covers all of the staple pockets 4208 in the cartridge body 4202. The retainer 10400 may be molded from a polymer material and include a plurality of lateral retention features that protrude downward from each lateral side of the retainer 10400. In the illustrated example, two lateral retainer lug assemblies 10410 are associated with the general central portion of the retainer 10400. Each lateral retention lug assembly 10410 is molded into a corresponding lateral side portion of the retainer 10400 such that a retention arm 10412 extends downwardly below a bottom surface 10403 of the retainer 10400. In the illustrated example, each retention arm 10412 extends from a corresponding side boss portion 10414 that extends above the top surface 10402. Such arrangement serves to provide the retainer lug assembly 10410 with sufficient strength while affording each of the retention arms 10412 the ability to flex slightly outward during attachment of the retainer 10400 to the staple cartridge 4200 and removal of the retainer 10400 therefrom. Each retention arm 10412 corresponds to a notch 10405 in the bottom surface 10403 of the retainer and comprises a catch feature 10416 that is molded on the end thereof. The catch features 10416 are configured to latchingly engage a corresponding portion of the deck ledge portion 4205 that is formed on the cartridge body 4202 or other portion of the staple cartridge 4200.

Still referring to FIGS. 79-81, the retainer 10400 may comprise additional lateral retention features in the form of lateral retainer arms 10480 and 10484 that extend downward from each lateral side of the retainer 10400 and are distal to the lateral retainer lug assemblies 10410. Each lateral retainer arm 10480 comprises a catch feature 10482 that is formed on an end thereof. Each lateral retainer arm 10484 comprises a tab that includes an angled end portion 10486 that is configured to engage a corresponding side of the staple cartridge 4200. The retainer 10400 further comprises an angled nose portion 10420 and distal latch tab 10422. The distal latch tab 10422 comprises an inwardly extending lip 10424 that is configured to latching engage the distal nose 4203 of the cartridge body 4202.

As can be seen in FIGS. 80 and 81, the retainer 10400 additionally comprises a proximal keel feature 10470, a central keel feature 10472 and a distal keel feature 10474 that are axially aligned with each other and protrude from the bottom surface 10403 of the retainer body. The proximal keel feature 10470, the central keel feature 10472 and the distal keel feature 10474 are configured to be inserted into the longitudinal slot 4206 in the staple cartridge 4200. The proximal keel feature 10470, the central keel feature 10472 and the distal keel feature 10474 serve to ensure that the retainer is properly aligned on the staple cartridge 4200 to facilitate attachment and detachment of the retainer as well to ensure that the retainer authentication key 10430 is properly positioned for engagement with unlocking features of a stapling device in which the cartridge and retainer assembly are seated. The proximal keel feature 10470, the central keel feature 10472 and the distal keel feature 10474 may be sized relative to the longitudinal slot 4206 in the cartridge body 42020 to create a frictional fit therewith. In addition, the proximal keel feature 10472 may serve to retain a sled in the staple cartridge in the unfired position.

Also in at least one arrangement, a series of frangible retainer tabs are molded onto the bottom surface of the retainer 10400 between the proximal keel 10470 and the central keel 10472 and between the central keel 10472 and the distal keel 10474. More specifically and with reference to FIG. 80, four frangible retention tabs are employed between the proximal keel 10470 and the central keel 10472 and four frangible retention tabs are employed between the central keel 10472 and the distal keel 10474. However, other numbers of frangible retention tabs may be employed. In illustrated example, each series of frangible retention tabs comprises two right retention tabs 10490R and two left retention tabs 10490L. Each right retention tab 10490R and each left retention tab 10490L is attached to the bottom surface 10403 of the retainer 10400 by a corresponding frangible joint 10492 that facilitates selective removal of the retention tab 10490R, 10490L from the retainer 10400. Each right retention tab 10490R is oriented to be inserted into the longitudinal slot 4206 of the staple cartridge 4200 and has leftwardly angled bias to frictionally engage a left sidewall of the longitudinal slot 4206. Each left retention tab 10490L is oriented to be inserted into the longitudinal slot 4206 of the staple cartridge 4200 and has a rightwardly angled bias to frictionally engage a right sidewall of the longitudinal slot 4206. Thus, the right retention tabs 10490R and left retention tabs 10490L angle downward in opposite directions. When the right retention tabs 10490R and left retention tabs 10490L are inserted into the longitudinal slot 4206, they frictionally engage the opposing sidewalls of the slot 4206 to further retainingly affix the retainer 10400 to the staple cartridge 4200.

As used in this context, the term “frangible joint” means a joint that is configured to facilitate detachment of a tab from the body of the retainer. Such joint may comprise an area of reduced cross-section as compared to the remaining cross-section of the tab/body portion to which it is attached. In other arrangements, a frangible joint may be fabricated from material that has different properties from the properties of the retainer body material. Such properties may result in the joint being easily broken by the user. In all of such cases, once the frangible joint has been broken and the tab detached from the retainer body, the tab cannot be reattached to the body for reuse by the user. Such frangible joint/attachment feature arrangements are distinguishable from other retainer arrangements that employ removable clips or other features that may be reattached to the retainer to facilitate its reuse.

The retainer 10400 may be removably coupled to the surgical staple cartridge 4200 by engaging the inwardly extending lip 10424 on the distal latch tab 10422 with the end of the distal nose 4203 and aligning the retainer 10400 such that the underside of the retainer top 10402 confronts the cartridge deck surface 4204 and the proximal keel feature 10470, the central keel feature 10472, the distal keel feature 10474, and the frangible retention tabs 10490R, 10490L are aligned with the longitudinal slot 4206 in the staple cartridge 4200. Thereafter, the retainer 10400 may be pressed toward the staple cartridge 4200 causing the retainer arms 10412, 10480, 10484 to flex laterally outward and snap into latching engagement with the corresponding portions of the staple cartridge body 4202. As the retainer 10400 is pressed downward, the angled frangible retention tabs 10490R, 10490L frictionally engage the sidewalls of the longitudinal slot 4206. The retention tabs 10490R, 10490L as well as the retainer arms 10412, 10480, 10484 affix the retainer 10400 to the staple cartridge 4200.

The retainer 10400 may be removed from the staple cartridge 4200 by applying a prying motion to the distal latch tab 10422 and lifting the retainer 10400 upward until the retention tabs 10490R, 10490L and the retainer arms 10412, 10480, 10484 disengage from the cartridge 4200. In the illustrated example, the term “LIFT” is molded or embossed into the nose portion 10420 to provide removal instructions to the user. In various instances, the retainer 10400 may be reused on another staple cartridge after being cleaned and re-sterilized using conventional cleaning and sterilization methods that are compatible with the retainer material. The attachment and removal of the retainer as well as the re-sterilization may tend to degrade the retainer over time to point wherein the retainer 10400 may become unreliable. At that point, the retainer 10400 may be discarded for a new retainer. In keeping with such process, the user may remove one or more of the frangible retention tabs 10490R, 10490L after each use until all of the frangible retention tabs 10490R, 10490L have been removed at which point the retainer 10400 should be discarded. See FIG. 81.

In the illustrated example, the retainer 10400 comprises an authentication key 10430 that is similar in construction and operation as authentication key 6430. The construction and operation of authentication key 6430 is described in detail above and will not be repeated here. In alternative configurations, the retainer 10400 may be formed with any one of the various authentication key/authentication ramp arrangements disclosed herein, however.

In certain situations, some retainers are designed to be easily installed onto a compatible staple cartridge as well as removed therefrom. Many retainers are typically installed by the cartridge manufacturer, wherein the manufacturer can ensure that the retainer is matched with a particular staple cartridge that is compatible for use with a particular stapling device. Once the retainer has been removed from the staple cartridge and the staple cartridge has been used, the retainer, as well as the spent staple cartridge, may be discarded. In some instances, however, the staple cartridge as well as the retainer may be “reprocessed” for reuse in another stapling procedure and/or another stapling device. It is important for those reprocessing entities to install the proper surgical staples as well as the proper number of surgical staples into the reprocessed staple cartridge that make that cartridge compatible with a particular stapling device to ensure the desired results during use. Further, when using a reprocessed retainer, it is important that the retainer is attached to a staple cartridge that is compatible or matched with the particular stapling device. If, for example, a reprocessed retainer is inadvertently attached to a staple cartridge that is incompatible with a particular stapling device and that cartridge assembly is seated into the device to defeat the various lockouts therein, the user may then unwittingly fire the device with the improper cartridge installed. Thus, some of the retainers disclosed herein are designed to be used once or a limited number of times to reduce the chances of their reuse on incompatible or improper staple cartridges.

FIGS. 82-85 depict one form of a retainer 11400 that is configured to be removably coupled to a staple cartridge 4200 of the type, for example, depicted in FIG. 6. In various embodiments, the retainer 11400 comprises a top portion 11402 that is coextensive with and configured to be received on the deck surface 4204 of a staple cartridge 4200 such that when the retainer 11400 is attached to the cartridge body 4202, the retainer 11400 covers all of the staple pockets 4208 in the cartridge body 4202. The retainer 11400 may be molded from a polymer material and include a plurality of lateral retention features that protrude downward from each lateral side of the retainer 11400. In the illustrated example, three lateral retainer lug assemblies 11410 are associated with a central portion of the retainer 11400. Each lateral retention lug assembly 11410 is molded into a corresponding lateral side portion of the retainer 11400 such that a retention arm 11412 extends downwardly below a bottom surface 11403 of the retainer 11400. In the illustrated example, each retention arm 11412 extends from a corresponding side boss portion 11414. Such arrangement serves to provide the retainer lug assembly 11410 with sufficient strength while affording each of the retention arms 11412 the ability to flex slightly outward during attachment of the retainer 11400 to the staple cartridge 4200 and removal of the retainer 11400 therefrom. Each retention arm 11412 corresponds to a notch in the bottom surface 11403 and has a catch feature 11416 molded on the end thereof. The catch features 11416 are configured to latchingly engage a corresponding portion of the ledge 4205 that is formed on the cartridge body 4202. The cartridge body 4202 may be formed with angled surfaces 4011 to facilitate latching of the catch features under the ledge 4205 as shown in FIG. 84. The catch features 11416 may also be configured to engage other portions of the cartridge body 4202.

Still referring to FIG. 82, the retainer 11400 additionally comprises a proximal keel feature 11470 and a distal keel feature 11474 that are axially aligned with each other and protrude from the bottom surface 11403 of the retainer body. The proximal keel feature 11470 and distal keel feature 11474 are configured to be inserted into the longitudinal slot 4206 in the staple cartridge 4200. The proximal keel feature 11470 and distal keel feature 11474 serve to ensure that the retainer 11400 is properly aligned on the staple cartridge 4200 to facilitate attachment and detachment of the retainer 11400 as well to ensure that the retainer authentication key 11430 is properly positioned for engagement with unlocking features of a stapling device in which the cartridge assembly is seated. The proximal keel feature 11470 and the distal keel features 11474 may be sized relative to the cartridge slot 4206 to establish a frictional fit therewith. The proximal keel feature 11470 may also be configured to retain a sled in the staple cartridge in an unfired position while the retainer 11400 is coupled to the staple cartridge 4200.

Also in at least one arrangement, a series of releasable retention members are molded onto the bottom surface between the proximal keel 11470 and the distal keel 11474. In the illustrated arrangement, two pairs of right and left releasable retention members are positioned between the proximal keel 11470 and the distal keel 11474. Each pair comprises a right releasable retention member 11480R and a left releasable retention member 11480L. Each right releasable retention member 11480R is molded with a leftwardly angled bias (when viewed from the distal end of the retainer) and each left releasable retention member 11480L is molded with a rightwardly angled bias. See FIG. 83. Each right releasable retention member 11480R is molded with a right bottom latch feature 11481R that has a “right” angled surface 11482R that terminates in a relatively blunt pointed right end 11483R. A right central lug 11484R is molded relative to each right bottom latch feature 11481R to define a space 11485R therebetween that is sized to receive a portion of the cartridge pan 4220 therebetween. Similarly, each left releasable retention member 11480L is molded with a left bottom latch feature 11481L that has a “left” angled surface 11482L that terminates in a relatively blunt pointed left end 11483L. A left central lug 11484L is molded relative to each left bottom latch feature 11481L to define a space 11485L therebetween that is sized to receive a portion of a cartridge pan 4220 therebetween.

As can also be seen in FIG. 82, the retainer 11400 further comprises two pairs of retention tabs that are oriented between the pairs of right and left releasable retention members. Each pair comprises a right retention tab 11490R and a left retention tab 11490L. Each right retention tab 11490R is oriented to be inserted into the longitudinal slot 4206 of the staple cartridge 4200 and has a leftwardly angled bias to enable the right retention tab 11490R to frictionally engage a left sidewall of the longitudinal slot 4206. Each left retention tab 11490L is oriented to be inserted into the longitudinal slot 4206 of the staple cartridge 4200 and has a rightwardly angled bias to enable the left retention tab 11490L to frictionally engage a right sidewall of the longitudinal slot 4206. Thus, like the right and left releasable retention members, the right retention tabs 11490R and left retention tabs 11490L angle downward in opposite directions. When the right retention tabs 11490R and left retention tabs 11490L are inserted into the longitudinal slot 4206, they frictionally engage the opposing sidewalls of the cartridge slot 4206 to further retainingly affix the retainer 11400 to the staple cartridge 4200.

Referring now to FIGS. 82-84, the retainer 11400 may be removably coupled to the staple cartridge 4200 by engaging the inwardly extending lip (not shown) that is associated with the distal latch tab 11422 with the end of the distal nose 4203 and aligning the retainer 11400 such that the underside of the top 11402 confronts the cartridge deck surface 4204 and the pointed ends 11483R, 11483L of the right and left releasable retention members 11480R, 11480L are inserted into the longitudinal slot 4206 in the staple cartridge 4200. An installation force “IF” is then applied to the retainer 11400 to press the retainer downward onto the staple cartridge 4200. The right releasable retention members 11480R and left releasable retention members 11480L, as well as the right retention tabs 11490R and left retention tabs 11490L slidably engage the opposing walls 4207L, 4207R of the slot 4206 as the retainer 11400 is advanced downwardly onto the cartridge 4200. As illustrated in FIG. 83, each of the catch features 11416 include an angled surface 11417 configured to contact the ledge 4205 on the cartridge 4200 and pivot catch feature 11416 laterally outward to snap into engagement with the ledge 4205. Continued downward advancement of the retainer 11400 causes the pointed ends 11483R, 11483L of the right releasable retention members 11480R and left releasable retention members 11480L, respectively to enter a slot 4221 in the cartridge pan 4220 and snap into engagement therewith such that the cartridge pan 4220 is received in the spaces 11485R, 11485L. When the retainer 11400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200, the assembly comprises a “cartridge assembly” 11500.

FIGS. 84 and 85 illustrate installation of the cartridge assembly 11500 into the first jaw or frame 4010 of a stapling device 4002. As can be seen in FIGS. 83 and 85, as the cartridge assembly 11500 is inserted into the frame 4010 and pushed downwardly therein (arrow IF), the angled surfaces 11417 on the catch features 11416 slidably contact angled surfaces 11417 on the frame 4010 and bias the catch features 11416 laterally outward (arrows L in FIG. 84) to disengage the catch features 11416 from the ledge 4205 on the staple cartridge 4200. Further, the angled surfaces 11482R, 11482L on the right releasable retention members 11480R and left releasable retention members 11480L, respectively contact the edges of a channel slot 4209 in the bottom of the frame 4010 which causes the right releasable retention members 11480R and left releasable retention members 11480L to disengage the cartridge pan 4220. The user can then apply a prying force to the distal latch tab 11422 on the distal end of the retainer 11400 and pry the retainer 11400 off of the cartridge 4200 which is now seated in the channel 4010. The distal latch tab 11422 extends distally from an angled nose portion 11420 of the retainer 11400. In various arrangements, the right releasable retention members 11480R and left releasable retention members 11480L are molded with a relatively strong angled bias which makes the retainer 11400 difficult to reinstall on another staple cartridge. In the illustrated example, the retainer 11400 comprises an authentication key 11430 that is configured to defeat a lockout of the surgical stapling device 4002. The retainer 11400 may also be configured for use on other staple cartridges that are compatible with any of the surgical staple cartridges disclosed herein. In such instances, the retainer 11400 would be provided with an authentication key 11430 that is compatible with the lockout of the particular surgical stapling device with which it is to be used.

In various instances, it is desirable for the user to ensure that the staple cartridge that is being employed in a particular surgical stapling device is authentic or compatible with the surgical stapling device. For example, in many instances those cartridges that are manufactured by the same manufacturer of the surgical stapling device are generally compatible with those stapling devices. To provide the user with and indication as to the identity of the manufacturer of a staple cartridge 4200, for example, the manufacturer's logo 4260 or source indicator marking may be provided, for example, on the nose 4203 or other portion of the cartridge 4200. Such source indicator markings may be applied to each of the components of the surgical stapling device as well as each of the components of the staple cartridge and retainer. In the example depicted in FIG. 86, the logo 4260 is embossed onto the nose 4203. In the example depicted in FIG. 87, the logo 4260 is indented in a portion of the distal nose 4203. FIGS. 88 and 89 illustrate another logo or source indicator marking 4262 that is provided on a distal portion of the cartridge deck 4204. In the example depicted in FIG. 88, the logo 4262 is embossed onto the deck 4204. In the example depicted in FIG. 89, the logo 4262 is indented into the deck 4204. FIG. 90 illustrates a nose 4203 of a staple cartridge 4200 that has no source indicator markings thereon. FIG. 91 illustrates a nose 4203′ of a staple cartridge 4200 that is provided with a unique shape (that may be associated with the manufacturer or with a particular type of cartridge) and also has a logo/source indicator 4264 provided on the cartridge deck 4204. FIG. 92 illustrates another nose configuration 4203″ of a staple cartridge 4200 that is provided with a unique shape to provide the user with an indication as to the source of the cartridge.

In various instances, it is also desirable to ensure that the retainer that is being used in connection with a staple cartridge is authentic or compatible with that cartridge and surgical stapling device. In the examples of FIGS. 91 and 92, the underside of the nose portions of the compatible retainers may be formed with features that mate or match with the nose configurations 4203′, 4203″ so that when the retainer is attached to those cartridges, the user is provided with an indication as to whether the retainer matches with or, stated another way, is compatible with those staple cartridges. Another example is depicted in FIG. 93, wherein a frame 11010 of a surgical stapling device 11002 has a bottom portion 11262 of a logo or source marking 11260 printed or embossed thereon. The compatible staple cartridge 11200 has a middle portion 11264 of the logo 11260 printed on a side of a deck ledge 11205 of the cartridge 11200. The compatible retainer 11400′ has a top portion 11266 of the logo 11260 printed or formed thereon. Thus, when assembled together as shown in FIG. 93, the markings 11262 on the frame 11010, the markings 11264 on the staple cartridge 11200, and the markings 11266 on the retainer 11400′ cooperate to form the complete logo 11260 “ETHICON” or other name or logo to provide the user with confirmation that all three components came from the same source and are compatible with each other. FIG. 94 illustrates use of a staple cartridge 11200′ and a retainer 11400″ that may not be compatible with each other and are not compatible with the stapling device 11202. As can be seen in FIG. 94, the retainer 11400″ and staple cartridge 11200′ do not have the markings thereon to form the complete logo 11260. The various markings described above could be molded into (plastic) components, pad printed laser etched, chemically marked or mechanically machined into the components/parts. The markings may be recessed into or protrude from the surfaces on which they are located. Such marking may be employed to increment distance or show a length, for example.

FIGS. 95 and 96 illustrate a retainer 12400 that in many aspects is identical to retainer 4400 discussed above. The retainer 12400 includes an authentication key assembly 12430 that is removably coupled to the retainer body 12402. The authentication key assembly 12430 comprises a key body portion 12432 and a key ramp 12440 that protrudes proximally from the key body portion 12432. The authentication key assembly 12430 may comprise any of the authentication key/ramp arrangements disclosed herein. In at least one arrangement, the authentication key assembly 12430 is attached to the retainer body 12402 by a frangible joint 12435 that enables the user to detach the authentication key assembly 12430 from the retainer body 12402 after use. Thus, once the retainer 12400 has been used in the various manners disclosed herein, the retainer 12400 is removed from the staple cartridge and the user then detaches the authentication key assembly 12430 from the retainer body thus making the retainer 12400 a “single-use” retainer. In at least one arrangement, a tether 12437 attaches the detached authentication key assembly 12430 to the retainer body 12402 to prevent the detached authentication key assembly 12430 from becoming lost. See FIG. 87. Any of the various retainer body configurations disclosed herein may be equipped with an authentication key assembly that is removably coupled thereto by a frangible or otherwise separable joint making the retainer a “single-use” retainer. Such retainer arrangements may or may not otherwise employ frangible retention members/tabs/arms configured to attach the retainer to a staple cartridge and thereafter be removed therefrom after use.

FIG. 97 illustrates another single use retainer 13400 that, in many aspects is very similar to retainer 10400 described above. In one or more locations along a central cross-section of the retainer body 13402, one or more slits 13405 are provided in a bottom surface 13403 of the retainer body 13402. FIG. 98 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the retainer 13400 (the retention features have been omitted) at the locations indicated in FIG. 97, for example, showing slits 13405. The slits 13405 only extend partially upward into the retainer body 13402 such that, during installation of the retainer onto a staple cartridge in the manners disclosed herein to form a cartridge assembly, the retainer body 13402 retains the cross-sectional configuration that is sufficiently rigid to ensure that the authentication key 13430 is properly oriented so as to defeat the lockout of the stapling device in which the cartridge assembly is seated. However, during the removal of the retainer 13400 in the various manners disclosed herein, the slits 13405 may sufficiently weaken the retainer body 13402 such that the retainer body 13402 assumes a non-planar configuration illustrated in FIG. 99 or similar non-usable configuration which prevents reuse of the retainer 13400 on another staple cartridge. Any of the various retainer body configurations disclosed herein may be provided with at least one slit in the above-described manner to make the retainer a single-use retainer. Further, any of the authentication key arrangements disclosed herein may be employed on the retainer 13400.

FIGS. 100-104 illustrate another retainer assembly 14400 that may be used in connection with a surgical staple cartridge 4200 or other suitable staple cartridge arrangements. As can be seen in FIG. 101, the retainer assembly 14400 comprises an retainer base 14500 that is configured to be removably mounted within a retainer cover 14600. The retainer base 14500 comprises an internal body 14502 that comprises two sidewalls 14504 that protrude from a retainer nose feature 14503 that is configured to be inserted over a nose 4203 of the staple cartridge 4200. The sidewalls 14504 are connected by a proximal bridge 14506 that is configured to be seated on a proximal portion of the cartridge deck 4204. In addition, an authentication key 14530 extends proximally from an end of the proximal bridge 14506. The authentication key 14530 may comprise any of the authentication key arrangements disclosed herein depending upon the particular surgical stapling device with which it is to be employed.

The retainer cover 14600 comprises a cover top 14602 and two cover sidewalls 14604 that have a series of cover attachment features or attachment lugs 14606 formed therein to releasably engage the sidewalls 14504 of the retainer base 14500. A distal latch tab 14608 is formed on a distal end of the retainer cover 14600 for assisting with the removal of the retainer cover 14600. In use, the retainer cover 14600 may be snapped over the retainer base 14500 such that the attachment lugs 14606 latchingly engage an underside of the sidewalls 14504 as shown in FIG. 100. When the retainer cover 14600 and retainer base 14500 are coupled together, the assembly may be referred to as a “retainer assembly” 14700. The retainer assembly 14700 is installed onto the staple cartridge 4200 by inserting the retainer nose feature 14503 over the nose 4203 of the staple cartridge 4200. As can be seen in FIG. 100, a keel 14610 is formed on the underside of the cover top 14602. Keel 14610 is oriented and sized to be received within the longitudinal slot 4206 in the staple cartridge 4200 when assembled. The keel 14610 may be sized relative to the longitudinal slot 4206 to create frictional engagement therewith. In addition, the keel 14610 may serve to retain the sled in the unfired position when the retainer assembly 14700 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200.

When assembled, the retainer cover 14600 completely covers the staple cartridge 4200 and forms a cartridge assembly 14702. See FIG. 104. In some instances, the cartridge body 4202 of a staple cartridge 4200 is molded in a particular color to designate a type or size of cartridge. In at least one arrangement, one or more windows 14505 are provided in the retainer base 14500. Windows 14505 are configured to coincide with cooperating windows 14612 in the retainer cover 14600 to enable the user to view the staple cartridge body 4202 when the retainer assembly 14700 is attached to a staple cartridge 4200 or other compatible staple cartridge.

Once the retainer assembly 14700 has been inserted onto the staple cartridge 4200 to form the cartridge assembly 14702, the cartridge assembly 14702 may then be inserted into the channel of a surgical stapling device such that contact between the sidewalls of the channel and the attachment lugs 14606 in the cover sidewalls 14604 causes the cover attachment features or attachment lugs 14606 to disengage from the retainer base 14500. Alternatively, the retainer cover 14600 may be removed from the retainer assembly 14700 prior to installation of the cartridge assembly 14702 in the channel of the surgical stapling device by applying a prying motion to the distal latch tab 14608. In either event, after the retainer cover 14600 has been detached, the cartridge assembly 14702 minus the retainer cover 14600 continues to be inserted into the channel in the various manners described herein until the authentication key feature 14530 has defeated, unlocked or unlatched a lockout of the surgical stapling device and the cartridge assembly 14702 is seated in the channel. As can be seen in FIG. 101, the sidewalls 14504 of the retainer base 14500 do not extend to the bottom of the staple cartridge 4200 such that when the cartridge assembly 14702 is seated in the channel, portions of the staple cartridge sides are exposed to engage portions of the lockout arm of the lockout. The user may then pull the retainer base 14500 off of the staple cartridge 4200 by pulling the retainer base 14500 in a distal direction leaving the staple cartridge 4200 operably seated in the frame to retain the lockout in an unlocked or jaw closure position, whichever the case may be.

FIGS. 105-107 illustrate another retainer assembly 15400 that may be used in connection with a surgical staple cartridge 4200 or other staple cartridge configurations. As can be seen in FIG. 106, the retainer assembly 15400 comprises a retainer base 15410 that comprises two bottom sidewalls 15412 that protrude from a retainer nose feature 15414. The retainer nose feature 15414 is configured to be inserted over a nose 4203 of the staple cartridge 4200. The bottom sidewalls 15412 are connected by a proximal bridge 15416 that is configured to be seated on a proximal portion of the staple cartridge deck 4204. In addition, an authentication key 15530 extends proximally from an end of the proximal bridge 15416. The authentication key 15530 may comprise any of the authentication key arrangements disclosed herein. The retainer base 15410 is configured to be inserted over the nose 4203 of the staple cartridge 4200. In at least one arrangement, one or more latch lugs 15413 may be formed on each sidewall 15412 to engage a ledge 4205 on the cartridge body 4202.

The retainer assembly 15400 further comprises a retainer cover 15600 that is removably coupled to the retainer base 15410 by a series of frangible attachment joints 15604. In the illustrated arrangement, the retainer cover 15600 comprises a distal latch tab 15602 and a window 15606. The window 15606 is configured to enable the user to view the cartridge body 4202 when the retainer assembly 15400 is attached thereto. When the retainer assembly 15400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200, the retainer assembly 15400 covers the entire staple cartridge 4200 and forms a cartridge assembly 15700. The cartridge assembly 15700 may then be inserted into a frame of a surgical stapling device such that contact between a proximal end portion 15608 or other portions of the retainer cover 15600 and the sidewalls or other portions of the channel causes the frangible attachment joints 15604 to rupture to permit the retainer cover 15600 to be detached from the retainer base 15410. Alternatively, once the cartridge assembly 15700 has been seated in the channel of the surgical stapling device, the user may apply a prying motion to the distal latch tab 15602 to cause the frangible attachment joints 15604 to rupture to permit the retainer cover 15600 to be removed from the retainer base 15410. See FIG. 107. In either event, after the retainer cover 15600 has been detached, the cartridge/retainer base assembly continues to be inserted into the channel in the various manners described herein until the authentication key feature 15530 has defeated a lockout of the surgical stapling device 4002 (or other surgical stapling device), for example, and the cartridge assembly 15700 is seated in the frame 4010. The user may then pull the retainer base 15410 off of the staple cartridge 4200 by pulling the retainer base 15410 in a distal direction leaving the staple cartridge 4200 operably seated in the frame 4010 to retain the lockout in an unlocked or jaw closure position, whichever the case may be. Such retainer assembly 15400 may be referred to as a “single-use” retainer.

FIG. 108 illustrates another cartridge assembly 16500 that comprises a retainer 16400 that is attached to a staple cartridge 4200. As can be seen in FIG. 108, the retainer 16400 comprises a retainer body 16402 that is configured to extend over and cover the cartridge deck 4204. An authentication key 16530 is formed on the proximal end of the retainer body 16402. The authentication key 16530 may comprise any of the authentication key arrangements disclosed herein depending upon the particular surgical stapling device to be employed. As can be further seen in FIG. 108, a detachment member 16406 is formed on a distal end 16404 of the retainer body. The distal end 16404 comprises a nose attachment portion 16408 that hooks over a nose 4203 of the staple cartridge 4200.

In at least one arrangement, after the staples have been loaded into the staple cartridge 4200 by the manufacturer, the retainer 16400 is inserted over the staple cartridge 4200 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 108 and a lower attachment feature 16410 on the nose attachment portion 16408 is temporarily attached to the cartridge nose 4203 to form the cartridge assembly 16500. For example, the lower attachment feature 16410 may be “heat staked” or plastic welded to the cartridge nose 4203. In another arrangement, the attachment feature 16410 may be temporarily attached to the cartridge nose or cartridge body 4202 by an appropriate adhesive that would permit detachment of the retainer 16400 when desired. In use, after the cartridge assembly 16500 has been seated in a frame 4010 of a surgical stapling device 4002 and the authentication key 16530 has defeated a lockout thereof, the user may grasp the detachment member 16406 and pull the retainer 16400 in a longitudinally distal direction DD which causes the joint between the attachment feature 16410 and the nose 4203 to sheer or otherwise break to permit the retainer 16400 to be removed from the staple cartridge 4200.

In various instances wherein it may be desirable to prevent any of the various retainers disclosed herein from being reprocessed/reused, the various authentication keys disclosed herein may also be attached to the respective retainer body portion with a joint arrangement that permits the authentication key to be unrepairably broken or deformed or repositioned from a first or proper actuation position to a position rendering the authentication key unusable to defeat a lockout in a surgical stapling device and without completely detaching the authentication key from the remaining portion of the retainer. For example, FIG. 109 illustrates a retainer 17400 that includes a retainer body portion 17402 and an authentication key 17430 that is attached to a proximal end 17401 of the retainer body portion 17402 by a reconfigurable hinge or joint arrangement 17480. The retainer body 17402 may be identical to any of the various retainer body portions disclosed herein and be removably attachable to a staple cartridge 4200 by any of the various arrangements disclosed herein. The authentication key 17430 may comprise any of the authentication key arrangements disclosed herein depending upon the particular surgical stapling device to be employed.

FIG. 110A-110B illustrate a reconfigurable joint or hinge arrangement 17480 that comprises slits 17482 that are cut into the bottom of the authentication key 17430. The slits 17482 are of sufficient depth so as to weaken the joint arrangement 17480 to enable the authentication key 17430 to be reconfigured to a non-usable position after the retainer 17400 has been removed from the staple cartridge 4200 without being completely detached from the retainer body 17402.

FIG. 111 illustrates another reconfigurable joint arrangement that comprises a reconfigurable hinge or joint 17480′ that is fabricated from a rapidly degrading polymer material that, after a period of time, would enable to the authentication key 17430 to be reconfigured to a non-usable configuration after initial use. In such arrangements, the retainer body 17402 may be fabricated from a first polymer material. The reconfigurable joint 17480′ may be fabricated from a second polymer material such as a hydrolytically-degradable material such as polyglycolic acid that degrades at a fastener rate from the first polymer material. In other arrangements, the second material may comprise carboxyphennoxy-based polyanhydrides that, when exposed to moisture during package opening and use, will begin rapid degradation to sufficiently weaken the authentication key joint to prevent reuse. The material properties can be “tuned” based on the initial strength and degradation speed desired. Further, the geometry and amount of degradable polymer material can be altered to increase the degradation effects (e.g., regions of increased degradable polymer that will permit the fracturing, but not complete breakage) of the authentication key should a reprocessing entity or other user attempt to reuse it. In alternative arrangements the entire retainer may be fabricated from such second polymer materials. Such material compositions may also be employed in connection with the various frangible joint arrangements described in connection with other frangible joint arrangements disclosed herein.

FIG. 112 illustrates an authentication key 17430′ wherein a portion 17430A of the key 17430′ is fabricated from an increased concentration of degradable polymer material. FIG. 113 illustrates a cross-section through an authentication key 17430″ that is fabricated from degradable polymer material and comprises a hollow truss element 17431″ that aids in weakening of the authentication key 17430″ during degradation.

FIGS. 114 and 115 illustrate in diagrammatic form, another retainer 15400 and authentication key arrangement 15430 that may be reconfigured to an unusable condition after its initial use. As can be seen in FIG. 114, the retainer body 15402 and the authentication key 15430 comprises a composite structure that comprises a weak center dwelling part 15403 that is supported on both sides by stronger thicker pieces 15405. The center dwelling part 15403 is configured with a tortuous path that allows thin webs 15407 of the stronger material to connect during manufacturing to provide structural integrity to the retainer 15400. Those webs 15407 are low strength and are connected with features that could hold the retainer 15400 on the staple cartridge during initial use, but thereafter rupture during removal of the retainer 15400. In such instance, closing of the stapling device jaws JA, JB, for example, could be used to assist with the removal of the retainer 15400. See FIG. 116. The closing jaws may apply sufficient load/forces to the retainer 15400 to cause the retainer to break or deform. The retainer 15400 may further comprise an embedded wire 15409 that serves to attach the authentication key 15430 to the retainer body 15402 so that should the authentication key 15430 be broken from the retainer body 15402, it will remain attached thereto by the wire 15409. See FIG. 115.

In still other arrangements, any of the retainer arrangements disclosed herein may be temporarily affixed to an unfired staple cartridge by an appropriate adhesive. The adhesive will affix the retainer to the cartridge body for example, but fracture and permit the retainer to be removed from the cartridge body by the user.

Turning next to FIGS. 117-121, a retainer 18400 is shown. Retainer 18400 is configured to be removably coupled to a staple cartridge 18200 or other staple cartridge that is compatible with a particular surgical stapling device that comprises a lockout of the various types disclosed herein that prevent the stapling device from operating unless defeated, unlocked or unlatched by an authentication key on the retainer or staple cartridge. In one arrangement, for example, the retainer 18400 may be used with a staple cartridge 18200 that is compatible with a surgical stapling device 6002. The staple cartridge 18200 comprises a cartridge body 18204 that includes a longitudinal slot 18206 that is configured to accommodate a firing member of the surgical stapling device. The staple cartridge 18200 further comprises a series of staple pockets 18208 that are formed in the cartridge body 18202. The staple pockets 18208 may be formed in offset “lines” located on each side of the longitudinal slot 18206. Each staple pocket 18208 may have a staple driver (not shown) associated therewith that supports a surgical staple or fastener (not shown) thereon. In at least one example, the cartridge body 18202 is molded from a polymer material with the staple pockets 18208 molded or machined therein. In one arrangement, the staple pockets 18208 also open through a bottom of the cartridge body 18202 to facilitate installation of the drivers and fasteners into their respective staple pockets 18208. Once the drivers and fasteners are inserted into their respective staple pockets 18208, a cartridge pan 18220 is attached to the cartridge body 18202. In one form, the cartridge pan 18220 is fabricated from a metal material and includes a bottom 18222 that spans across the bottom of the cartridge body 18202. The cartridge pan 18220 also includes two upstanding sidewalls 18224 that correspond to each side of the cartridge body 18202. The cartridge pan 18220 may be removably affixed to the cartridge body 18202 by hooks 18226 that are formed on the sidewalls 18224 and configured to hookingly engage corresponding portions of the cartridge body 18202.

The retainer 18400 comprises a top portion 18403 that is coextensive with, and configured to be received on, the deck surface 18204 of the cartridge body 18202. Thus, in at least one configuration, when the retainer 18400 is attached to the cartridge body 18202, the retainer 18400 covers all of the staple pockets 18208 in the cartridge body 4202. As such, when the retainer 18400 is attached to the staple cartridge 18200, the retainer 18400 may prevent the surgical staples stored within the staple pockets 18208 from falling out should the staple cartridge 18200 be inverted or turned upside down prior to use. The retainer body 18402 may comprise any of the retainer body arrangements disclosed herein so that the retainer 18400 is removably attachable to the staple cartridge 18200. In one arrangement, the retainer 18400 may be molded from a polymer material and include a plurality of retainer lugs 18410 that are configured to latchingly engage outwardly extending deck ledge portions 18205 form on the cartridge body 4202. See FIG. 121. The retainer 18400 additionally comprises a retainer keel 18470 that protrudes from the bottom surface of the retainer body portion 18402 and is oriented to be received within the longitudinal slot 18206 in the surgical staple cartridge 18200. Retainer keel 18470 may sized relative to the longitudinal slot 18206 so as to establish a frictional fit therewith. The retainer keel 18470 may also be configured to retain the sled in the cartridge in an unfired position while the retainer 18400 is attached to the cartridge 18200.

In the illustrated example, the retainer 18400 comprises an authentication key 18430 that is movably supported on the retainer body 18402 such that it is movable between a first actuation position and a retracted position. The authentication key 18430 is L-shaped with one leg 18440 pivotally pinned to the retainer body 18402 and another leg 18442 that comprises a ramp feature 18446. The authentication key 18430 is supported within a key housing 18450 that is molded or otherwise attached to a proximal end 18405 of the retainer body 18402. When the authentication key 18430 is in the actuation position, the leg 18442 protrudes proximally out of the key housing 18450 and when the authentication key 18430 is in the retracted position, the authentication key 18430 is completely contained within the key housing 18450. In another arrangement, when the authentication key 18430 is in the retracted position, at least the leg 18442 is inoperably received within the key housing 18450. As can be seen in FIGS. 117 and 118, a torsion spring or other biasing member 18452 is mounted within the key housing 18450 to bias the authentication key 18430 into the retracted position.

FIG. 119 illustrates initial installation of the retainer 18400 onto the staple cartridge 18200 by the original manufacturer. During installation, the authentication key 18430 is retained in the actuation position while the retainer is removably attached to the staple cartridge 18200. An actuation hole 18448 is provided through leg 18442 of the actuation key 18430 and is adapted to receive therein a retainer peg 18209 that protrudes upward from the deck surface 18204. When the new, unused retainer 18400 is seated onto the unfired cartridge 18200 by the manufacturer, the retainer peg 18209 is received in the hole 18448 in the leg 18442 to retain the authentication key 18430 in the actuation position. See FIG. 120. When the new retainer 18400 is attached to the unfired staple cartridge 18400, the resulting cartridge assembly 18500 may be seated into a frame 6010 of a surgical stapling device 6002 in the various manners disclosed herein such that the leg 18442 of the authentication key 18430 defeats, unlocks, unlatches the lockout of the surgical stapling device 6002. Once the cartridge assembly 18500 has been seated in the frame 6010 of the surgical stapling device 6002 and the lockout thereof has been defeated, unlocked, unlatched, the user may then remove the retainer 18400 from the staple cartridge 18200 in the various manners disclosed herein. Such action causes the leg 18442 to disengage from the retention peg 18209. When the leg 18442 is removed from the retention peg 18209, the torsion spring 18452 causes the authentication key 18430 to spring into the key housing 18450 to the retracted position wherein the authentication key 18430 may not be re-actuated to the actuated position. Thus, the retainer 18400 is a single-use retainer and cannot be reused again on another staple cartridge.

FIGS. 122-126 illustrate another retainer 19400 that is configured to be removably coupled to a staple cartridge 4200 or other staple cartridge that is compatible with a particular surgical stapling device that comprises a lockout of the various types disclosed herein. The retainer 19400 comprises a top portion 19403 that is coextensive with, and configured to be received on, the deck surface 4204 of the cartridge body 4202. Thus, in at least one configuration, when the retainer 19400 is attached to the cartridge body 4202, the retainer 19400 covers all of the staple pockets in the cartridge body 4202. As such, when the retainer 19400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200, the retainer 19400 may prevent the surgical staples stored within the staple pockets from falling out should the staple cartridge 4200 be inverted or turned upside down prior to use. The retainer body 19402 may comprise any of the retainer body arrangements disclosed herein so that the retainer 19400 is removably attachable to the staple cartridge 4200. In one arrangement, the retainer 19400 comprises retention tabs or features 19480 that are configured to removably engage the staple cartridge 4200.

In the illustrated example, the retainer 19400 comprises an authentication key 19430 that is movably supported on the retainer body 19402 such that it is movable between a first actuation position and a retracted position. The authentication key 19430 is supported for axial movement within a key housing 19450 that is molded or otherwise attached to a proximal end 19405 of the retainer body 19402. The authentication key 19400 slidably extends through a housing wall 19452 and has a flange 19431 formed thereon. A retraction spring 19454 is journaled on the authentication key 19430 between the housing wall 19452 and the flange 19431 to bias the authentication key 19430 distally (direction DD) into the retracted position. When the authentication key 19400 is in the actuation position, a proximal end 19440 that may have action cam surface(s) 19442 thereon protrudes out of the key housing 19450.

As can be seen in FIGS. 125 and 126, the retainer 19400 further comprises a plunger actuator 19500 that is configured to interface with the authentication key 19430. In the illustrated arrangement, the plunger actuator 19500 comprises an actuator rod 19502 that extends transversely through the key housing 19450 and is axially movable between an installed position and a removal position. A plunger pad 19504 is attached to a bottom end of the actuator rod 19502 that is configured to engage the deck surface 4204 of the staple cartridge 4200. A plunger button 19506 is attached to a top end of the actuator rod 19502 as shown. The actuator rod 19502 further comprises a vertical notch 19508 that corresponds with a distal end 19435 of the authentication key 19430. The vertical notch 19508 intersects a through hole 19510 that extends through the actuator rod 19502.

In use, the retainer 19400 is installed on the staple cartridge 4200 to form a cartridge assembly 19600 that can be seated in a surgical stapling device of the various types disclosed herein. As can be seen in FIGS. 123 and 124, the distal end 19435 of the authentication key 19430 is received in the vertical notch 19508 and the proximal end 19440 protrudes proximally out of the key housing 19450. When the authentication key 19430 is in that actuation position, the proximal end portion 19440 is positioned to interact with a lockout arm of a lockout of a surgical stapling device in which the cartridge assembly 19600 is seated. Once the cartridge assembly 19600 has been seated in the frame of the surgical stapling device and the authentication key 19430 has defeated, unlocked or unlatched the lockout, the user depresses the plunger actuator 19500 toward the staple cartridge 4200. By depressing the plunger actuator 19500, the plunger actuator causes the retainer 19400 to detach from the staple cartridge 4200 and the distal end 19435 of the authentication key to ride up the vertical slot 19508 until the distal end 19435 enters the through hole 19510 in the actuator rod 19502 which allows the authentication key 19430 to move distally to the retracted position. See FIG. 125. When in the retracted position, the authentication key 14430 and, more particularly, the proximal end 19440 of the authentication key 19430 is unable to defeat the lockout of the surgical stapling device. In at least one arrangement, the amount of force required to detach the retainer 19400 from the staple cartridge 4200 is significant enough to result in the permanent deformation of the actuator rod which may prevent the reuse of the retainer 19400.

FIGS. 127-129 illustrate another retainer 20400 that is configured to be removably coupled to a staple cartridge 4200 or other staple cartridge that is compatible with a particular surgical stapling device that comprises a lockout of the various types disclosed herein. The retainer 20400 comprises a retainer body 20402 that includes a top portion 20403 that is coextensive with, and configured to be received on, the deck surface 4204 of the cartridge body 4202. Thus, in at least one configuration, when the retainer 20400 is attached to the cartridge body 4202, the retainer 20400 covers all of the staple pockets in the cartridge body 4202. As such, when the retainer 20400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200, the retainer 20400 may prevent the surgical staples stored within the staple pockets from falling out should the staple cartridge 4200 be inverted or turned upside down prior to use. The retainer body 20402 is removably attachable to the staple cartridge 4200. In one arrangement, the retainer 20400 comprises retention tabs or features 20480 that are configured to removably engage the staple cartridge 4200 in the various manners described herein.

As was discussed above, the surgical staple cartridge 4200 comprises a sled or camming member 4230 that is configured to be axially advanced through the cartridge body 4202 during a staple firing stroke. In a “new”, “fresh” or “unfired” surgical staple cartridge, the sled 4230 is in its proximal-most, “unfired” position. The sled 4230 comprises a central body portion 4231 that coincides with a longitudinal slot 4206 in the cartridge body 4202. The sled 4230 further comprises a plurality of wedges or cam members 4232 that are configured to drivingly engage the corresponding lines of staple drivers in the cartridge body 4202. During the staple firing stroke, the firing member of a surgical stapling device abuts the central body portion 4231 of the sled 4230 and pushes the sled 4230 distally into camming contact with the staple drivers thereby sequentially driving the staple drivers upward toward the anvil as the sled 4230 is driven from its unfired position to its distal-most, fully fired position within the cartridge body 4202.

As can be seen in FIGS. 127-129, the retainer 20400 comprises an authentication key assembly 20430 that comprises a first authentication key portion 20440 and a second authentication key portion 20450 that are axially movable relative to each other. The first authentication key portion 20440 and the second authentication key portion 20450 are slidably supported in a longitudinal pocket 20405 formed in the retainer body 20402. The first authentication key portion 20440 comprises a first authentication ramp portion 20444 on a proximal end 20442 thereof. Similarly, the second authentication key portion 20450 comprises a second authentication ramp portion 20454 that is formed on a proximal end 20452 thereof.

When the first and second authentication key portions 20440, 20450 are axially aligned in an actuation position, the first authentication ramp portion 20444 and the second authentication ramp portion 20454 cooperate to form an authentication key ramp assembly 20700 that is configured to defeat a lockout of an associated surgical stapling device in the various manners described herein. In at least one arrangement, the first authentication key portion 20440 further comprises first sled engagement features 20446 that are configured to engage the central body portion 4231 of the sled 4230 when the retainer 20400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200 and the sled 4230 is in the unfired position. Similarly, the second authentication key portion 20450 further comprises second sled engagement features 20456 that are configured to engage the central body portion 4231 of the sled 4230 when the retainer 20400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200 and the sled 4230 is in the unfired position. In one arrangement, one or more biasing members (not shown) are supported in the retainer body 20402 to bias the first and second authentication key portions 20440, 20450 out of the actuation position unless the first and second sled engagement features 20446, 20456 are in engagement with the central body portion 4231 of an unfired sled 4230 in the staple cartridge 4200 to which the retainer 20400 is attached. Stated another way, the first and second authentication key portions 20440, 20450 are axially misaligned such that the first and second ramp portions 20444, 20454 are misaligned and do not form the authentication key ramp assembly 20700. See FIG. 127. Other arrangements do not employ the biasing members. As can also be seen in FIGS. 127 and 128, the authentication key portion 20440 comprises a travel limiter 20448 that is received within a cavity 20409 in the top portion 20403 of the retainer 20400. Similarly, the authentication key portion 20450 comprises a travel limiter 20458 that is also received within the cavity 20409. Such arrangement serves to limit the authentication key portions 20440, 20450 to a limited amount of axial travel.

In use, the retainer 20400 is aligned above the unfired staple cartridge 4200 such that the first and second sled engagement features 20446, 20456 are aligned with the longitudinal slot 4206 in the staple cartridge 4200. The retainer 20400 is thereafter pressed onto the staple cartridge 4200 in the manners described herein to form a cartridge assembly 20800. As the retainer 20400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200, the first and second sled engagement features 20446, 20456 engage the central body portion 4231 of the unfired sled 4230 and move the first and second authentication key portions 20440, 20450 into the actuated position. When the cartridge assembly 20800 has been seated in a frame of a surgical staple cartridge that the retainer 20400 is associated with, the authentication key ramp assembly 20700 defeats the lockout of the surgical stapling device in the various manners disclosed herein. Once the retainer 20400 is removed from the staple cartridge 4200, the first and second sled engagement features 20446, 20456 disengage the central body portion 4231 of the sled 4230 and the first and second authentication key portions 20440, 20450 are moved to a misaligned position.

FIGS. 130 and 131 illustrate another retainer 21400 that comprises a retainer body 21402 that is configured to be removably coupled to a staple cartridge 4200 or other staple cartridge that is compatible with a particular surgical stapling device that comprises a lockout of the various types disclosed herein. The retainer body 21402 comprises a top portion 21403 that is coextensive with, and configured to be received on, the deck surface 4204 of a cartridge body 4202 of the staple cartridge 4200. Thus, in at least one configuration, when the retainer 21400 is attached to the cartridge body 4202, the retainer 21400 covers all of the staple pockets in the cartridge body 4202. As such, when the retainer 21400 is attached to the staple cartridge 4200, the retainer 21400 may prevent surgical staples that are stored within the staple pockets from falling out should the staple cartridge 4200 be inverted or turned upside down prior to use. The retainer body 21402 is removably attachable to the staple cartridge 4200 to form a cartridge assembly that is configured to be seated in a frame of a surgical stapling device. In one arrangement, the retainer 21400 comprises retention tabs or features (not shown) that are configured to removably engage the staple cartridge 4200 in the various manners described herein.

As can be seen in FIGS. 130-131, the retainer 21400 comprises an authentication key assembly 21430 that is movably supported in the retainer body 21402 such that it is movable between an actuation position and a deactivated or retracted position. In the illustrated arrangement, the authentication key assembly 21430 comprises a key body 21432 that is slidably supported within the retainer body 21402. A proximal end 21440 protrudes proximally out of the retainer body 21402. The proximal end 21440 may comprise cam surface(s) 21442 that are configured to interface with an upstanding cam actuator arm or actuation tab on a lockout arm of a lockout of a surgical stapling device in which the cartridge assembly is seated. As can also be seen in FIG. 130, the key body 21432 further comprises a series of locking teeth 21434 that are configured to lockingly interface with pawl teeth 21405 formed in the retainer body 21402. A removal feature 21436 is formed on a distal end of the key body 21432 as shown.

Prior to installation on the staple cartridge 4200, the authentication key assembly 21430 is axially moved into the actuation position wherein the proximal end portion 21440 is in position to defeat, unlock or unlatch the lockout of the surgical stapling device in which the cartridge assembly is seated. This may be done by the manufacturer who installs the retainer assembly 21400 onto the staple cartridge. The retainer assembly 21400 is then pressed onto or otherwise removably attached to the staple cartridge in the various manners disclosed herein. The end user may then seat the cartridge assembly into a frame of a surgical stapling device such that the proximal end 21440 of the authentication key assembly 21430 defeats, unlocks, unlatches a lockout of the surgical stapling device in the various manner s disclosed herein. Thereafter, the user may then remove the retainer assembly 21400 from the staple cartridge by pulling on the removal feature 21436 and axially pulling the retainer assembly 21400 in a distal direction. In addition to detaching the retainer assembly 21400 from the staple cartridge 4200, such action retracts the authentication key assembly 21430 to a retracted position wherein the authentication key assembly 21430 is unable to defeat a lockout if the retainer 21400 were to be reattached to another staple cartridge and reseated into a stapling device.

In at least one arrangement, the removal feature comprises a hole 21438 through which an adjustable wire tie, sometimes referred to as a “zip-tie” may be inserted through and thereafter pulled on. In addition or in an alternative arrangement, a zip-tie may be threaded between one of the retention tabs and the cartridge body to enable a pulling force to be applied thereto. Also, in at least one example, the manufacturer of the retainer assembly 21400 initially sets the authentication key assembly 21430 in the actuation position. The series of locking teeth 21434 and the pawl teeth 21405 are “one-way” teeth and only permit the authentication key assembly 21430 to be retracted in the distal direction to the retracted position. The teeth 21434, 21405 do not permit the authentication key assembly 21430 to be moved proximally from the retracted position to the actuation position. The series of teeth may also be referred to as a “one-way latch”. Once the authentication key assembly 21430 is in the retracted position, it cannot be used to defeat a lockout of a surgical stapling device. Thus, the retainer assembly 21400 is configured to only be used a single time.

FIGS. 132-136 illustrate a staple cartridge retainer system, generally designed as 22000. In one form, the system 22000 comprises a retainer 22400 that is similar in design to various other retainers disclosed herein. In one example, the retainer 22400, comprises a retainer body 22402 that comprises a top portion 22403 that is coextensive with and configured to be received on the deck surface 4204 of a staple cartridge 4200 such that when the retainer 22400 is attached to the cartridge body 4202, the retainer 22400 covers all of the staple pockets 4208 in the cartridge body 4202. The retainer 22400 may be molded from a polymer material and include a plurality of lateral retention members that protrude downward from each lateral side of the retainer 22400. In the illustrated example, two lateral retainer lug assemblies 22410 are associated with the general central portion of the retainer 22400. Each lateral retention lug assembly 22410 is molded into a corresponding lateral side portion of the retainer 22400 such that a retention member 22412 extends downwardly below a bottom surface 22405 of the retainer 22400. In the illustrated example, each retention member 22412 extends from a corresponding side boss portion 22414. Such arrangement serves to provide the retainer lug assembly 22410 with sufficient strength while affording each of the retention arms 22412 the ability to flex slightly outward during attachment of the retainer 22400 to the staple cartridge 4200 and removal of the retainer 22400 therefrom. Each retention member 22412 comprises a catch feature 22416 that is molded on the end thereof. The catch features 22416 each comprise an angled surface 22417 and are configured to latchingly engage a corresponding portion of a ledge 4205 formed on the cartridge body 4202 of the staple cartridge 4200.

The retainer 22400 may comprise additional lateral retention features in the form of lateral retention members 22480 and 22484 that extend downward from each lateral side of the retainer 22400 and are distal to the lateral retainer lug assemblies 22410. Each lateral retention member 22480 comprises a latch end 22482 configured to engage a corresponding portion of the staple cartridge 4200. Each lateral retention member 22484 includes an angled end portion 22486 that is configured to engage a corresponding side of the staple cartridge 4200. The retainer 22400 further comprises an angled nose portion 22420 and distal latch tab 22422.

As can be seen in FIG. 135, the retainer 22400 additionally comprises a proximal keel feature 22470 and a distal keel feature 22474. Also in at least one arrangement, a series of central retention tabs are molded onto the bottom surface 22405 of the retainer 22400 between the proximal keel 22740 and the distal keel 22474. The central retention tabs comprise alternating right retention tabs 22490R and left retention tabs 22490L. Each right retention tab 22490R comprises a pair of catch features 22492R that are configured to extend into a slot 4221 in a cartridge pan 4220 that is attached to the staple cartridge 4200 and snap into engagement therewith. See FIG. 134. Prior to installation, each right retention tab 22490R is in a “first state” with a leftwardly angled bias that prevents the right retention tab 22490R from being insertable into the longitudinal slot 4206. Each right retention tab 22490R must be straightened into a “second state” to be insertable into the longitudinal slot 4206. Each left retention tab 22490L comprises a pair of catch features 22492L that are configured to extend through the slot 4221 in the cartridge pan 4220 and snap into engagement therewith. Prior to installation, each left retention tab 22490L is oriented in a first state with a rightwardly angled bias that prevents the left retention tab 22490L from being inserted into the longitudinal slot 4206 of the staple cartridge 4200. Thus, the right retention tabs 22490R and left retention tabs 22490L angle downward in opposite directions when in their respective first states.

In the illustrated example, the right and left retention tabs 22490R, 22490L are molded with a significantly strong angled bias into the first state which prevents their insertion into a longitudinal slot 4206 of the staple cartridge 4200 unless they are sufficiently straightened to the second state during the assembly process. In at least one instance, the retainer system 22000 comprises a retainer tool 22800 that is configured to be used to straighten the right and left retention tabs 22490R, 22490L (or move the right and left retention tabs 22490R, 22490L from the first state to the second state) during the attachment of the retainer 22400 to the staple cartridge 4200. In one form, the retainer tool 22800 comprises an elongated body 22802 that comprises a top portion 22810 and two downwardly depending sidewalls 22820. The sidewalls 22820 are spaced from each other to accommodate the staple cartridge deck 4204 therebetween. See FIG. 134. The top portion 22810 comprises a raised central portion 22812 that has a tool slot 22814. The raised central portion 22812 coincides with the bottom surface 22405 of the retainer body 22402. The tool slot 22814 comprises a wider top portion 22816 that is sized to receive the ends of the right and left retention tabs 22490R, 22490L therein and a narrower bottom portion 22818 that has a width that is similar to or slightly smaller than a width of the longitudinal slot 4206 in the staple cartridge 4200. When the retainer tool 22800 is removably supported on the staple cartridge deck 4204, the tool slot 22814 coincides with the longitudinal slot 4206 in the staple cartridge 4200. In one arrangement, a small ledge feature 22820 is formed on one side of the top portion 22816 of the slot 22814 to accommodate initial positioning of the right and left retention tabs 22490R, 22490L during the installation process. See FIG. 134.

Referring now to FIG. 132, the retainer 22400 is installed onto the staple cartridge 4200 by initially placing the retainer tool 22800 onto the deck 4204 of the staple cartridge 4200 as shown so that the tool slot 22814 is aligned with the longitudinal slot 4206 in the staple cartridge 4200. The retainer 22400 is then placed onto the retainer tool 22800 so that the bottom surface 22405 is oriented above the raised central portion 22812 and the ends of the right and left retention tabs 22490R, 22490L (while in their respective first states) are received in the wide portion 22816 of the tool slot 22814. Thereafter, the retainer 22400 is pressed downward onto the tool 22800. As the retainer 22400 is pressed downward, an angled surface 22417 on each retention member 22412 engages a corresponding tool sidewall 22820 and is flexed outward so that the catch features 22416 clear the ledge 4205 on the cartridge body 4202. Each of the right and left retention tabs 22490R, 22490L are flexed inward to enter the bottom portion 22818 of the tool slot 22814 and ultimately enter the longitudinal slot 4206 in the staple cartridge 4200 (assume their respective second states). Once the retainer 22400 is in that intermediate installation position, the retainer tool 22800 may be slid longitudinally out from between the retainer 22400 and the staple cartridge 4200 by grasping a proximal end of the retainer tool 22800 and pulling the tool in a proximal longitudinal direction PD. See FIG. 136. Thereafter, the retainer 22400 may continue to be pressed downward into a fully seated position on the cartridge. When in the fully seated position, the catch features 22492R, 22492L extend into the slot 4221 in the cartridge pan 4220 and snap into engagement therewith. Each retention member 22412 is in engagement with the ledge 4205 on the cartridge body 4202 and each of the lateral retainer arms 22480 and 22484 are in retaining engagement with corresponding portion so of the staple cartridge 4200.

Once the retainer 22400 has been attached to the staple cartridge 4200 to form a cartridge assembly 22500, the cartridge assembly 22500 may then be inserted into the frame of a surgical stapling device in the various manners disclosed herein. The retainer 22400 further comprises an authentication key 22430 that is configured to defeat a lockout in the surgical stapling device into which the cartridge assembly 22500 is seated. As the cartridge assembly 22500 is seated into the frame, the angled surfaces 22417 on the catch features 22416 of the retention arms 22412, as well as the angled surface 22483 on each lateral retention member 22482 contact sidewalls of the frame which serve to bias the catch features 22416, 22482 laterally outward out of engagement with the ledge 4205 on the cartridge body 4202. Likewise when the catch features 22492R, 22492L on the right and left retention tabs 22490R, 22490L contact the corresponding sidewalls of a slot in the frame of the surgical stapling device, the catch features 22492R, 22492L are biased out of engagement with the cartridge pan 4220. The retainer 22400 may then be removed by applying a prying motion to the distal latch tab 22422 and pulling the retainer 22400 upward off of the staple cartridge 4200. In at least some arrangements, the left and right retention tabs 22490R, 22490L, as well as the retention arms 22412, are sufficiently rigid such that when the retainer 22400 has not been attached to the cartridge, it may be very difficult if not impossible to install the retainer 22400 on a staple cartridge 4200 without using the retainer tool 22800. In such instances, the retainer may practically comprise a single-use retainer.

FIGS. 137-139 illustrates another staple cartridge retainer system, generally designed as 22000′ that is similar to system 22000, except for the retainer tool 22800′. In this arrangement, the retainer tool 22800′ comprises a tool body 22802′ that has a downwardly extending straightening arm that corresponds to each of the left and right retention tabs 22490R, 22490L. In the illustrated arrangement, the retainer 22400 comprises three right retention tabs 22490R and two left retention tabs 22490L. Thus, the retainer tool 22800′ comprises three right straightening arms 22810R′ and two left straightening arms 22810L′. Each of the straightening arms 22810R′, 22810L′ correspond to a hole 22407 in the top portion 22403 of the retainer 22400. See FIG. 138.

To install the retainer 22400 onto the staple cartridge 4200, the straightening arms 22810R′, 22810L′ are inserted into the corresponding holes 22407 in the top portion 22403 of the retainer 22400 and into engagement with the corresponding left and right retention tabs 22490R, 22490L. The straightening arms 22810R′ engage the corresponding right retention tabs 22490R and bias them into a relatively straight insertion position wherein they are insertable into the slot 4206 in the staple cartridge 4200. Likewise the straightening arms 22810L′ engage the corresponding left retention tabs 22490L and bias them into a relatively straight insertion position in which they are insertable into the slot 4206 in the staple cartridge 4200. Once the retainer tool 22800′ has been inserted into the retainer 22400, the retainer may then be pressed onto the staple cartridge 4200. Thereafter the tool 22800′ may be removed from the retainer by pulling it in an upward direction off of the retainer 22400 to thereby permit the catch features on the left and right retention tabs 22490L, 22490R to engage the edges of the slot 4221 in the cartridge pan 4220.

FIGS. 140 and 141 depict a portion of another retainer 23400 that may be identical to or similar to any of the retainers disclosed herein, except for the following differences. In particular, the retainer 23400 comprises a retainer body 23402 that comprises a top portion 23403. A central keel assembly 23470 extends from an underside 23405 of the top portion and configured to be received within a longitudinal slot in a cartridge body of a staple cartridge. In the illustrated arrangement, the keel assembly 23470 comprises two axially aligned primary keel portions 23472, 23474 and two movable retention flaps 23476, 23478 that are biased out of plane or axial alignment with the primary keel portions 23472, 23474. The primary keel portions 23472, 23474 are axially aligned on a retainer axis RA. The movable retention flaps 23476, 23478 are biased to a first state wherein they lie on opposites sides of the retainer axis RA. See FIG. 141. To install the retainer 23400 onto the staple cartridge 4200, the keel assembly 23470 is aligned with the slot in the staple cartridge and the two movable retention flaps 23476, 23478 are biased into plane (second state) as the keel assembly 23470 is pressed into the slot 4206 of the staple cartridge 4200. The retainer 23400 also includes an authentication key assembly 23430 that may comprise any of the various authentication key arrangements disclosed herein.

FIGS. 142-147 depict another single use retainer 24400 that may be employed in connection with a staple cartridge 4200 that is compatible with use with a surgical stapling device 6002. Surgical stapling device 6002 was described in detail above. In the illustrated example, the retainer 24400 comprises a retainer body 24402 that comprises a planar top portion 24410. A nose pocket 24414 is formed on a distal end 24412 of the top portion 24410. The nose pocket 24414 is configured to be hooked over a distal nose 4203 of a staple cartridge 4200. The top portion 24410 is sized relative to the staple cartridge 4200 such that the top portion 24410 is coextensive with and configured to be received on a deck surface 4204 of the staple cartridge 4200 or other suitable staple cartridge such that when the retainer 24400 is attached to the cartridge body 4202, the retainer 24400 covers all of the staple pockets 4208 in the cartridge body 4202. The retainer 24400 may be molded from a polymer material and include a lateral retention feature 24420 that protrudes downward from each lateral side of the retainer top portion 24410. Each lateral retention feature 24420 is configured to retainingly engage a ledge portion 4205 of the staple cartridge body 4202. See FIG. 144.

In the illustrated arrangement, the retainer 24400 further includes a retainer detachment member 24430 that is attached to a proximal end 22416 of the top portion 24410 by a living hinge 24432. An authentication key 24440 is formed on the retainer detachment member 24430 and is configured to defeat a lockout 6300 of a surgical stapling device 6002 or other lockouts of other surgical stapling devices disclosed herein. The retainer detachment member 24430 further comprises at least one ejector post or one-way tab feature 24434 that protrudes from a bottom surface of the retainer actuator 24430. In at least one arrangement, an ejector post or one-way tab feature 24434 is formed adjacent each lateral side of the retainer actuator 24430. Each ejector post or one-way tab feature 24434 corresponds with a hole 24418 in the retainer top portion 24410.

The retainer 22400 may be installed onto the staple cartridge 4200 with the retainer detachment member 24430 in a first unactuated position. The retainer 24400 is installed by hooking the nose pocket 24414 over the nose 4203 of the staple cartridge 4200 and pressing the top portion 24410 downward onto a deck surface 4204 of the staple cartridge 4200 until the lateral retention features 24420 retainingly engage the ledges 4205 of the cartridge body 4202. The retainer 24400 and the staple cartridge 4200 now form a cartridge assembly 24500. The cartridge assembly 24500 may then be inserted into the frame 6010 of the surgical stapling device 6002 such that the authentication key 24440 of the retainer engages the actuator cam arm 6322 of the first lockout arm 6310 in the surgical stapling device 6002 to defeat the lockout 6300 while the retainer detachment member 24430 is in the first unactuated position. FIG. 145 illustrates the retainer detachment member 24430 (in solid lines) in the first unactuated position. As can be seen in FIG. 145, the authentication key 24440 has engaged the actuator cam arm 6322. FIG. 146 also illustrates the authentication key 24440 in engagement with the actuator cam arm 6322 during the initial insertion of the cartridge assembly 24500 into the frame 6010. FIG. 147 illustrates the cartridge assembly 24500 operably seated into the frame 6010 wherein the authentication key 24440 has pivoted the first lockout arm 6310 into the jaw closure position to thereby defeat the lockout 6300 of the stapling device 6002. Thereafter, the user may press the retainer detachment member 24430 toward the retainer top portion 24410 to a second actuated position wherein the one-way tab features 24434 pass through the holes 24418 in the retainer top portion 24410. When the one-way tab features 24434 pass through the holes 24418, they engage the deck surface 4204 of the staple cartridge 4200 and cause the lateral retention features 24420 to disengage from the deck ledge portions 4205. When the retainer detachment member 24430 is pivoted to the second or actuated position, the authentication key 24440 disengages from the actuator cam arm 6322 of the first lockout arm 6310 of the surgical stapling device 6002, but the staple cartridge 4200 retains the lockout 6300 in the defeated or unlocked position. The retainer 24400 may now be removed from the staple cartridge 4200 that is seated in the frame 6010. In the illustrated arrangement, once the one-way tab features 24434 are pressed through the corresponding holes 24418 in the top portion 24410 they cannot pass back through the holes 24418 and thereby retain the retainer detachment member 24430 in the second or actuated position. Because the authentication key 24440 is unable to defeat a lockout of a surgical stapling device when the retainer detachment member 24430 is in the second or actuated position (shown in broken lines in FIG. 145) and because the retainer detachment member 24430 is retained in the second or actuated position by the one-way tab features 24434, the retainer 24400 cannot be used again on another staple cartridge. To further render the retainer 24400 un-reusable, a user may sever the living hinge 24432 after initial use of the retainer 24400.

FIG. 148 illustrates another retainer 25400 that may be employed with a staple cartridge 4200. The retainer 24500 may be similar to any of the various retainers disclosed herein and comprise a cartridge removal feature 25600 on a distal end thereof. Stated another way, any of the various retainer arrangements disclosed herein may additionally be formed with a cartridge removal feature 25600. In one example, the cartridge removal feature 25600 comprises a pry bar portion 25602 that is integrally formed on a distal end of a top portion 25403 of the retainer 25400. The pry bar portion 25602 extends distally beyond the angled nose portion 25420 of the retainer to form a nose pocket 25610 therebetween. A downwardly extending pry arm 25604 is formed on a distal end of the pry bar portion 25602.

The retainer 25400 is attached to a staple cartridge 4200 in the various manners disclosed herein to form a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly is then seated in a frame of a surgical stapling device such that the authentication key 25430 of the retainer 25400 defeats a lockout thereof in any of the various manners disclosed herein. The retainer 25400 is then detached from the staple cartridge 4200 and the stapling device is used to fire the staples in the staple cartridge 4200. Once the staple cartridge has been fired, the user may employ the cartridge removal features 25600 to remove the spent staple cartridge 4200S from the frame 25010 of the stapling device. As can be seen in FIG. 148, the nose 4203 of the spent staple cartridge 4200S protrudes distally out of the frame 25010. The user manipulates the retainer 25400 to engage the nose 4203 of the spent staple cartridge in the nose pocket 25610 and the pry arm 25604 is inserted into a distal portion of a longitudinal slot in the spent staple cartridge 4200S. Thereafter the user applies a removal force RF to a proximal end of the retainer 25400 to apply a prying force to the cartridge nose 4203 and cause the spent staple cartridge 4200S to pop out of the frame 25010. Such arrangement provides an improved mechanical advantage for removing a spent cartridge from a surgical stapling device and may be sued to remove spent cartridges from any of the surgical stapling devices disclosed herein.

Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out in the following example.

EXAMPLE 1

A retainer for use with a staple cartridge configured for use with a surgical stapling device comprising a lockout for preventing operation of the surgical stapling device. The retainer comprises a retainer body configured to be mounted to the staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. The retainer body comprises an authentication key oriented in a first configuration wherein the authentication key is positioned to defeat the lockout when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device. The authentication key is movable to a second configuration wherein the authentication key is unable to return to the first configuration when the retainer body is supported on another staple cartridge.

EXAMPLE 2

The retainer of Example 1, wherein the retainer body is configured to be received on a cartridge deck of the staple cartridge, and wherein the authentication key is attached to the retainer body by a frangible feature configured to be broken when the retainer body is removed from the cartridge deck.

EXAMPLE 3

The retainer of Examples 1 or 2, further comprising a tether attaching the authentication key to the retainer body.

EXAMPLE 4

The retainer of Example 2, wherein the frangible feature comprises a frangible hinge.

EXAMPLE 5

The retainer of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the retainer body is fabricated from a first material that degrades at a first rate, and wherein at least a portion of the authentication key is fabricated from a second material that degrades at a second rate that is greater than the first rate.

EXAMPLE 6

The retainer of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the retainer body is configured to be received on a cartridge deck of the staple cartridge and comprises at least one weakened area configured to permit the retainer body to be deformed into a deformed state during removal from the retainer body, and wherein the deformed state prevents the retainer from being reinstalled onto another surgical staple cartridge.

EXAMPLE 7

The retainer of Example 6, wherein the at least one weakened area comprises at least one slit in one side of the retainer body, and wherein the slit does not completely extend through a cross-sectional thickness of the retainer body.

EXAMPLE 8

The retainer of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein the retainer body comprises a retainer base and a retainer cover. The retainer base is configured to be removably mounted to the staple cartridge to form the cartridge assembly. The retainer cover operably supports the authentication key thereon. The retainer cover is removably coupled to the retainer base.

EXAMPLE 9

The retainer of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein the retainer body comprises a retainer base and a retainer cover. The retainer base supports the authentication key thereon and is configured to be removably mounted to the staple cartridge. The retainer cover is removably coupled to the retainer base and the retainer cover completely covers the retainer base when removably attached thereto.

EXAMPLE 10

The retainer of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, wherein the lockout comprises a lockout arm that is movable between a jaw lockout position wherein a movable jaw of the surgical stapling device is prevented from moving from an open position to a closed position and a jaw closure position wherein the movable jaw is movable from the open position to the closed position, and wherein the authentication key is configured to move the lockout arm from the jaw lockout position to the jaw closure position when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device.

EXAMPLE 11

The retainer of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, wherein the surgical stapling device further comprises a firing member, wherein the firing member is movable between a starting position and an ending position during a staple firing stroke, and wherein the lockout comprises a lockout member movable between a locked position wherein the lockout member prevents the firing member from distally moving from the starting position and an unlocked position wherein the firing member is movable from the starting position to the ending position, and wherein the authentication key is configured to move the lockout member from the locked position to the unlocked position when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device.

EXAMPLE 12

A retainer for use with a staple cartridge configured for use with a surgical stapling device comprising a lockout for preventing operation of the surgical stapling device. The he retainer comprises a retainer base, a retainer cover, and an authentication key. The retainer base is configured to removably support the staple cartridge therein to form a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly is configured to be seated in the surgical stapling device. The retainer cover is removably attached to the retainer base and the retainer cover is configured to cover at least a portion of a cartridge deck of the staple cartridge. The authentication key is attached to the retainer cover. The authentication key is configured to defeat the lockout when the retainer cover is attached to the retainer base and the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device.

EXAMPLE 13

The retainer of Example 12, wherein the retainer cover is attached to the retainer base by a plurality of frangible attachment features.

EXAMPLE 14

The retainer of Example 13, wherein each of the frangible attachment features are broken when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device.

EXAMPLE 15

The retainer of Examples 12, 13, or 14, wherein the lockout comprises a lockout arm that is movable between a jaw lockout position wherein a movable jaw of the surgical stapling device is prevented from moving from an open position to a closed position and a jaw closure position wherein the movable jaw is movable from the open position to the closed position, and wherein the authentication key is configured to move the lockout arm from the jaw lockout position to the jaw closure position when the retainer cover is attached to the cartridge assembly and the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device.

EXAMPLE 16

The retainer of Examples 12, 13, or 14, wherein the surgical stapling device further comprises a firing member movable between a starting position and an ending position during a staple firing stroke, wherein the lockout comprises a lockout member movable between a locked position wherein the lockout member prevents the firing member from distally moving from the starting position and an unlocked position wherein the firing member is movable from the starting position to the ending position, and wherein the authentication key is configured to move the lockout member from the locked position to the unlocked position when the retainer cover is attached to the cartridge assembly and the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device.

EXAMPLE 17

A retainer for use with a staple cartridge configured for use with a surgical stapling device comprising a lockout for preventing operation of the surgical stapling device. The retainer comprises a retainer body and an authentication key. The retainer body is configured to be removably attached to the staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly is configured to be seated in the surgical stapling device. The retainer body covers a deck surface of the staple cartridge. The authentication key protrudes proximally from a proximal end of the retainer body. The authentication key is configured to defeat the lockout when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device. The retainer further comprises an attachment feature of the retainer body for temporarily attaching the retainer body to a cartridge body portion of the staple cartridge.

EXAMPLE 18

The retainer of Example 17, wherein the attachment feature is temporarily attached to the cartridge body portion by heat-staking.

EXAMPLE 19

The retainer of Examples 17 or 18, wherein the attachment feature is temporarily attached to the cartridge body portion by welding.

EXAMPLE 20

The retainer of Examples 17, 18, or 19, wherein the attachment feature is temporarily attached to the cartridge body portion by adhesive.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are motivated by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated in any suitable manner. In various instances, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated by a manually-operated trigger, for example. In certain instances, the motors disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled system. Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or tool assemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgical instrument system. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, for example, discloses several examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in greater detail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments are envisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned which utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an end effector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodes configured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an end effector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to seal the tissue.

The entire disclosures of:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21, 2006;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which issued on Sep. 9, 2008;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, which issued on Dec. 16, 2008;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Jul. 13, 2010;

U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,537;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed Feb. 14, 2008;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 15, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,411;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,972, entitled MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,050,083.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,688;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed on Jun. 15, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552;

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM, filed Jan. 31, 2006; and

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed Apr. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Although various devices have been described herein in connection with certain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodiments may be implemented. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined in whole or in part, with the features, structures or characteristics of one ore more other embodiments without limitation. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps including, but not limited to, the disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioning facility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, after cleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A retainer for use with a staple cartridge configured for use with a surgical stapling device comprising a lockout for preventing operation of the surgical stapling device, wherein said retainer comprises a retainer body configured to be mounted to the staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly, wherein said retainer body comprises an authentication key oriented in a first configuration wherein said authentication key is positioned to defeat the lockout when said cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device, and wherein said authentication key is movable to a second configuration wherein said authentication key is unable to return to said first configuration when said retainer body is supported on another staple cartridge.
 2. The retainer of claim 1, wherein said retainer body is configured to be received on a cartridge deck of the staple cartridge, and wherein said authentication key is attached to said retainer body by a frangible feature configured to be broken when the retainer body is removed from the cartridge deck.
 3. The retainer of claim 2, further comprising a tether attaching said authentication key to said retainer body.
 4. The retainer of claim 2, wherein said frangible feature comprises a frangible hinge.
 5. The retainer of claim 1, wherein said retainer body is fabricated from a first material that degrades at a first rate, and wherein at least a portion of said authentication key is fabricated from a second material that degrades at a second rate that is greater than the first rate.
 6. The retainer of claim 1, wherein said retainer body is configured to be received on a cartridge deck of the staple cartridge and comprises at least one weakened area configured to permit said retainer body to be deformed into a deformed state during removal from the retainer body, and wherein said deformed state prevents said retainer from being reinstalled onto another surgical staple cartridge.
 7. The retainer of claim 6, wherein said at least one weakened area comprises at least one slit in one side of said retainer body, and wherein said slit does not completely extend through a cross-sectional thickness of said retainer body.
 8. The retainer of claim 1, wherein said retainer body comprises: a retainer base configured to be removably mounted to the staple cartridge to form said cartridge assembly; and a retainer cover operably supporting said authentication key thereon, wherein said retainer cover is removably coupled to said retainer base.
 9. The retainer of claim 1, wherein said retainer body comprises: a retainer base supporting said authentication key thereon and configured to be removably mounted to the staple cartridge; and a retainer cover removably coupled to said retainer base, wherein said retainer cover completely covers the retainer base when removably attached thereto.
 10. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the lockout comprises a lockout arm that is movable between a jaw lockout position wherein a movable jaw of the surgical stapling device is prevented from moving from an open position to a closed position and a jaw closure position wherein the movable jaw is movable from the open position to the closed position, and wherein said authentication key is configured to move the lockout arm from the jaw lockout position to the jaw closure position when said cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device.
 11. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the surgical stapling device further comprises a firing member, wherein the firing member is movable between a starting position and an ending position during a staple firing stroke, and wherein the lockout comprises a lockout member movable between a locked position wherein the lockout member prevents the firing member from distally moving from the starting position and an unlocked position wherein the firing member is movable from the starting position to the ending position, and wherein said authentication key is configured to move the lockout member from said locked position to said unlocked position when said cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device.
 12. A retainer for use with a staple cartridge configured for use with a surgical stapling device comprising a lockout for preventing operation of the surgical stapling device, wherein said retainer comprises: a retainer base configured to removably support the staple cartridge therein to form a cartridge assembly, wherein the cartridge assembly is configured to be seated in the surgical stapling device; a retainer cover removably attached to said retainer base, wherein said retainer cover is configured to cover at least a portion of a cartridge deck of the staple cartridge; and an authentication key attached to said retainer cover, wherein said authentication key is configured to defeat the lockout when the retainer cover is attached to said retainer base and said cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device.
 13. The retainer of claim 12, wherein said retainer cover is attached to said retainer base by a plurality of frangible attachment features.
 14. The retainer of claim 13, wherein each of the frangible attachment features are broken when said cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device.
 15. The retainer of claim 12, wherein the lockout comprises a lockout arm that is movable between a jaw lockout position wherein a movable jaw of the surgical stapling device is prevented from moving from an open position to a closed position and a jaw closure position wherein the movable jaw is movable from the open position to the closed position, and wherein said authentication key is configured to move the lockout arm from the jaw lockout position to the jaw closure position when said retainer cover is attached to said cartridge assembly and said cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device.
 16. The retainer of claim 12, wherein the surgical stapling device further comprises a firing member movable between a starting position and an ending position during a staple firing stroke, wherein the lockout comprises a lockout member movable between a locked position wherein the lockout member prevents the firing member from distally moving from the starting position and an unlocked position wherein the firing member is movable from the starting position to the ending position, and wherein said authentication key is configured to move the lockout member from said locked position to said unlocked position when said retainer cover is attached to said cartridge assembly and said cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device.
 17. A retainer for use with a staple cartridge configured for use with a surgical stapling device comprising a lockout for preventing operation of the surgical stapling device, wherein said retainer comprises: a retainer body configured to be removably attached to the staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly, wherein said cartridge assembly is configured to be seated in the surgical stapling device, and wherein said retainer body covers a deck surface of the staple cartridge; an authentication key protruding proximally from a proximal end of said retainer body, wherein said authentication key is configured to defeat the lockout when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device; and an attachment feature of said retainer body for temporarily attaching said retainer body to a cartridge body portion of the staple cartridge, wherein said attachment feature is temporarily attached to the cartridge body portion by heat-staking.
 18. The retainer of claim 17, wherein said attachment feature is temporarily attached to the cartridge body portion by welding.
 19. The retainer of claim 17, wherein said attachment feature is temporarily attached to the cartridge body portion by adhesive. 